Biography
Johannes Christoffel Breedt, commonly known as Jannie Breedt, was born on June 4, 1959, in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa. Standing at 1.93 meters tall and weighing 98 kilograms, Breedt was an imposing presence on the rugby field, playing primarily as a Number 8 and Flanker. He attended Kempton Park High School, where his rugby talents began to flourish, eventually leading to an illustrious career in both provincial and international rugby.
Teams and Years Played
Provincial Teams:
- Northern Transvaal (1981–1984): 47 appearances
- Transvaal (1985–1992): 118 appearances
International Team:
- South Africa (1986–1992): 8 caps
International Caps
Breedt was capped 8 times for the South African national team, the Springboks, from 1986 to 1992. He played against some of the top teams in the world, showcasing his skills and leadership on the international stage.
Career Highlights
Provincial Rugby Career Jannie Breedt began his provincial rugby career with Northern Transvaal in 1981. His performances quickly marked him as a standout player, and in 1985, he transferred to Transvaal. At Transvaal, Breedt truly made his mark, playing 118 matches and becoming the first player to captain the province more than a hundred times, with 102 captaincies to his name. Under his leadership, Transvaal reached four Currie Cup finals, although they finished as runners-up on each occasion. Breedt’s dedication and leadership were instrumental in maintaining Transvaal’s competitive edge during his tenure.
International Rugby Career Breedt’s international career began with his test debut for the Springboks against the New Zealand Cavaliers on May 10, 1986, at Newlands in Cape Town. He played all four matches of the controversial series against the Cavaliers. In 1989, Breedt was appointed Springbok captain for the two test matches against the World XV, making him the 41st Springbok test captain. His international career saw him earn 8 caps, including matches against New Zealand and Australia in 1992.
Notable Matches:
- Debut against New Zealand Cavaliers: May 10, 1986, at Newlands, Cape Town. The Springboks won 21-15.
- Captaincy against World XV: August 26, 1989, and September 2, 1989, leading South Africa to victories in both matches.
- Matches against Top Teams: Played against New Zealand and Australia in 1992, marking the end of his international career.
Accolades Breedt’s outstanding performances in 1985 earned him a nomination for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award. Although he did not win, being nominated alongside players like Schalk Burger, Gerrie Sonnekus, Danie Gerber, and the eventual winner Naas Botha, was a testament to his skill and impact on the game.