Hennie le Roux – From Rugby Legend to Rugby Player for Jesus
In June this year, I had the privilege of meeting Hennie Le Roux at an event organized by Rugby Players for Jesus in Port Elizabeth. Known not only for his achievements on the rugby field, Hennie Le Roux's legacy extends into leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
His ability to remain humble and approachable while carrying immense knowledge and vision makes him a remarkable figure. Whether it’s his role as a Springbok legend or his influence off the field, Hennie’s passion and respect for the game and its people are undeniable.
During a Rugby Players for Jesus event, Hennie shared the four mottos that have shaped his journey: dedication, determination, desire, and discipline. These principles, he explained, were not just ideals but guiding forces that prepared him to excel.
“Due to my limitations as a player, I became professional in my approach both on and off the field before the actual game became professional" being professionally minded in an amateur sport enabled me to play and enjoy the game at the highest level for which I am most grateful and privileged.”
Hennie remarked, highlighting his early commitment to understanding the game, studying opponents, and honing his skills with unwavering focus. Meeting Hennie was a reminder that true greatness comes not only from achievements but from the heart and vision behind them. His ability to connect with others, coupled with his relentless drive to grow and inspire, serves as a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose and humility.
Born on July 10, 1967, in Grahamstown, Hennie Le Roux is a celebrated figure in South Africa’s rugby history. Renowned not only for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field, Le Roux also played a pivotal role in shaping the sport's evolution. His contributions extended beyond his playing career, as he helped lay the groundwork for more advanced systems and structures within rugby, contributing significantly to the sport's transition to professional status in 1995.
In 1995, the Rugby World Cup marked a historic moment with South Africa's Springboks securing a remarkable victory, a triumph etched in the nation’s history. Hennie le Roux played a pivotal role in this success, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication on the field. Over his illustrious career, he represented the Springboks in 27 Test matches, amassing 34 points and achieving an outstanding win percentage of 78%, underscoring his significant contribution to the team's success.
After retiring from professional rugby, Hennie le Roux embarked on a successful journey as an entrepreneur and business leader. In 1998, he co-founded the South African Rugby Players’ Association (SARPA), serving as its president until 2008. SARPA was instrumental in advocating for the welfare and rights of rugby players, highlighting Le Roux's commitment to supporting the broader rugby community and setting the stage for his future ventures.
Le Roux’s entrepreneurial spirit has seen him establish multiple businesses, including African Safari Lodge, a luxury lodge located on Medbury Farm near Grahamstown. (Featured on page…). This venture reflects his innovative mindset and dedication to creating exceptional experiences, showcasing his ability to translate his vision into impactful achievements beyond the rugby field. In 2024, Hennie le Roux joined Rugby Players for Jesus, an initiative founded by Andrew Johnson in Port Elizabeth. This organization seeks to unite not just rugby players, but all individuals through faith, emphasizing that true victory goes beyond winning—it reflects God’s strength within us. Andrew’s message resonates deeply with Hennie, whose life and career exemplify this principle.
As a former Springbok, Hennie not only excelled on the field but also continues to make an impact off it. His journey stands as a living testimony of how faith and purpose can inspire and empower, demonstrating how God can work both in and through a person to achieve extraordinary things. Hennie Le Roux is more than a name in rugby history—he is a force for good, a visionary leader, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of meeting him. His life serves as a testament to the power of staying true to one’s values and striving for excellence in all areas.
Andrew Johnson shared insights into the heart and mission of Rugby Players for Jesus, reflecting on its humble beginnings and the inspiration drawn from the Springboks’ electrifying Rugby World Cup victory on October 28th. “That momentous occasion,” Andrew explained, “was a testament to the power of faith and sport, showing us the profound need for a community like ours—one driven by the belief that victory is more than just winning. It’s a reflection of God’s strength within us.”
Rooted in the guiding scripture of 2 Timothy 1:7, which states, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline,” the organization emphasizes that true victory transcends the scoreboard. “Victory is not the final destination but a reflection of God’s strength in me,” Andrew said.
“This sentiment encapsulates our ethos: running the race and living the faith on the field. We play not just for the win, but for the glory of God. And when we stumble, it is our faith that keeps us moving forward.”
Andrew also drew on 1 Corinthians 9:24, saying, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” He added, “You must run in such a way that you will win. There is no point in running for second or third place.” Under this vision, Rugby Players for Jesus has grown into a movement that extends beyond rugby, welcoming individuals from all walks of life and embracing athletes of all ages and sports.
“We have taken Rugby Players for Jesus to the next level because there is a need, a want, and a desire,” Andrew explained. “We are a collective of men committed to nurturing this vision and carrying it forward.”
Through faith, fellowship, and the shared love of sport, Rugby Players for Jesus continues to inspire, uniting people in their journey to play with purpose and live with faith.”
From Rugby Legend to Rugby Player for Jesus, Hennie le Roux has played a pivotal role as a Springbok, both on and off the field, leaving an indelible mark on South African rugby and beyond.
In the years to come, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire future generations of rugby players, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Whether through his contributions to the sport, his advocacy for the welfare of fellow athletes, or his ventures in the business world, Hennie le Roux exemplifies dedication, passion, and success—a true role model for aspiring individuals in every arena of life.
Article by Stella Ashworth for Team Talk
Special Acknowledgement: Hennie Le Roux, Dean Meintjes, Andrew Johnson, The Team – Rugby Players for Jesus. Photo credits: Koenstantia Media, Herbert Hurd Primary School, Full Gospel Church Makanda, Rugby Players for Jesus, SA Rugby Magazine.
Resources: Cape Town Today, Rugby365.com, Rugby Players for Jesus
