Rob Louw is a renowned former South African rugby player, born on March 26, 1955. He played as a Flanker/Number 8, primarily with Western Province from 1978 to 1984, and he was a key player for South Africa’s national team, the Springboks, from 1980 to 1984. During his time with Western Province, Louw took part in six Currie Cup Finals and was part of the victorious side three times. His test debut came against a South American team in Johannesburg on April 26, 1980, and he had a total of 19 test caps and 9 tour matches with the Springboks.
Louw’s rugby career included memorable moments such as scoring tries in each of the first two matches against the British and Irish Lions during their 1980 tour of South Africa, and he was noted for his exceptional pace and fearless tackles. The 1981 tour to New Zealand and the USA was also a significant part of his international rugby journey, despite the political tensions and protests against apartheid policies at that time. Louw shared a room with Errol Tobias, a colored flyhalf, during the New Zealand tour, which was a controversial move due to the apartheid regime.
After the end of his time with the Springboks, Louw played rugby in Italy from 1980 to 1985, becoming one of the first international players to do so. He was part of the L’Aquila team that won the Italian league title. His playing career ended with a stint in professional rugby league with Wigan in England from 1985 to 1987.