The biography and personal life details of Kurt-Lee Arendse, the rugby player

The biography and personal life details of Kurt-Lee Arendse, the rugby player

Lenah Ann
February 19, 2024 at 9:12 AM

Kurt-Lee Arendse is a South African professional rugby player playing for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship and the South Africa national team as a wing or fullback. In the past few years, he has risen to become one of the world's most formidable players due to his speed, defensive abilities, try-scoring prowess and agility in the rugby arena. His story is not only about the distance gained on the field but also about winning the hearts of rugby fans.

Kurt-Lee Arendse celebrates scoring their first try during the Autumn International match
Kurt-Lee Arendse celebrates scoring during the Autumn International match against England at Twickenham Stadium on 26 November 2022 in London, England. Photo: Paul Harding (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

After making his professional debut in 2022, the Springbok sensation quickly rose to become pivotal in securing South Africa's fourth World Cup title. His name is marked with outstanding accomplishments and a flair that has enthralled rugby fans worldwide. Here is everything you need to know about the South African rugby player.

Kurt-Lee Arendse's profile summary

Full name

Kurt-Lee Arendse

Date of birth

17 June 1996

Age

27 (as of February 2024)

Place of birth

Cape Town, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Ethnicity

Mixed

Height

5 feet 9 inches or 177 centimetres

Weight

180 pounds or 80 kilograms

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Brown

Relationship status

Single

Education

Paulus Joubert Secondary School, Paarl, University of the Western Cape

Occupation

Professional rugby player

Position

Wing, fullback

Current team

Bulls

Net worth

$1 million - $5 million

Social media

Instagram

How old is Kurt-Lee Arendse?

The Springboks winger Kurt-Lee Arendse (age 27 as of February 2024) was born to his parents on 17 June 1996 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Education

The renowned rugby player joined Paulus Joubert Secondary School and pursued his rugby career. He was later selected to compete at the 2014 SARU Under-18 Sevens competition, and after that, he proceeded to the University of the Western Cape.

Kurt-Lee Arendse's career

Kurt-Lee Arendse runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Top 5 facts about Kurt-Lee Arendse. Photo: Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The famous South African national started his career when he was 8 and had his first match at his primary school. He was selected for the Boland Cavaliers' sevens team at Paulus Joubert Secondary School.

At the University of the Western Cape, he was a member of its club, and in 2018, he joined the South African Rugby Sevens Academy, paving the way for his national career. He advanced through the rugby union youth ranks, participating in various national junior events.

Due to his performance at the 2019 Varsity Cup, Arendse was selected in the Blitzboks squad for the Vancouver Sevens, and he made his debut in the team's 31–12 Cup semi-final victory against Fiji. Although he did not play in the finals, South Africa won 21–12 against France.

Since there were no seven tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he joined the Pretoria Bulls club and made an immediate impression. He has remained at the club, and fans have been keen on his vital contributions.

Kurt-Lee Arendse's rugby career stats

According to All.Rugby, in the 2023/24 season, the renowned rugby winger has made 11 appearances in all competitions: 4 for his club and 7 for his nation. He has an average of 0.5 tries and 2.3 points per game in all competitions since the season began.

Kurt Lee Arendse poses with the Webb Ellis Cup during the South Africa Winners Portrait shoot
Kurt Lee Arendse poses with the Webb Ellis Cup during the South Africa Winners Portrait shoot at Stade de France on 29 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Adam Pretty
Source: Getty Images

In all competitions in his entire career, he has made 53 appearances: 37 for his club and 16 for his country. He has averaged 0.5 tries and 2.6 points per game for his club, and for his nation, he has averaged 0.8 tries and 4.1 points per match. Additionally, he has had 36 wins and 17 losses.

How fast is Kurt-Lee Arendse?

According to Stats Perform, Opta Johnny, the former Blitzbok player, recorded an average speed of 94 metres per 80 minutes with the ball in hand per match. He is ahead of Exeter Chiefs' Josh Hodge and Toulon's Melvyn Jaminet, who both averaged 83 metres.

What is Kurt-Lee Arendse's net worth?

The South African star has amassed quite a fortune in his successful sporting career. According to various online sources such as Surprise Sports and Celebs Age Wiki, he has an alleged net worth of between $1 million and $5 million as of February 2024.

Kurt-Lee Arendse looks on from the substitutes bench at full-time
Kurt-Lee Arendse looks on from the substitutes bench following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against England at Stade de France on 21 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Adam Pretty
Source: Getty Images

Like most athletes, he primarily made most of his income through his club salary and South Africa Rugby Union salary, alongside brand endorsements and sponsorship deals. Details regarding Kurt-Lee Arendse's house are yet to be revealed since he has kept a low profile.

Kurt-Lee Arendse's salary, career earnings and contract

As of February 2024, the renowned legend takes home an average salary of approximately $63,472 per year, which amounts to around $5,289 per month and $1,220 per week. Since making his debut in 2018, his career earnings are estimated to be $320,000.

His current long-term contract with the Bulls, signed in August 2020, will keep him at the club until June 2026. Edgar Rathbone, Bulls chief executive, was happy that Arendse chose to stay in the club and congratulated him on his contract extension, saying,

We are grateful that he worked with us to ensure that his extension was a possibility because he is an internationally acclaimed rugby star, so naturally, we had to fend off numerous interests vying for his signature, both local and abroad. To have him commit to a further three seasons is a big plus for us as an organisation and cements our home as the place for all international stars.

Frequently asked questions

Kurt-Lee Arendse runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Kurt-Lee Arendse runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match against France at Stade de France on 15 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Catherine Steenkeste
Source: Getty Images

The renowned rugby player has the athletic skills to thrive in the difficult wing and fullback positions. His career path combines natural skills, unwavering hard work, and passion for the game. Here are the frequently asked questions about him.

What is Kurt-Lee Arendse's height and weight?

The South African rugby player is 5 feet 9 inches or 177 centimetres tall and weighs 180 pounds or 80 kilograms. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Did Kurt-Lee Arendse play sevens?

The renowned star has played sevens for his club and his home country. In 2020, he played for Monaco in the Supersevens competitions with his fellow country athletes and was ranked 7th.

What is Kurt-Lee Arendse's nationality and ethnicity?

The famous rugby fullback is a South African national of mixed ethnic background. He was born and raised in South Africa.

Is Kurt-Lee Arendse on Instagram?

The Springboks wing fullback is not a dynamic social media personality. As of February 2024, he has over 4.9k followers.

Where did Kurt Lee Arendse grow up?

Kurt-Lee Arendse (Centre) acknowledges the crowd after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Centre) acknowledges the crowd after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match against France at Stade de France on 15 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Craig Mercer
Source: Getty Images

Alongside his colleagues, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie, the renowned rugby player grew up in Boland town, South Africa. They attended the same primary school at Paulus Joubert, and although they went separate ways, their paths have crossed in professional rugby.

Who won the Sevens tournament in South Africa?

Argentina defeated Australia in the final to win the men's title and their first South African championship. Australia defeated France in the final to win the women's tournament and their first-ever championship in South Africa.

Is Kurt-Lee Arendse married?

Most details about the renowned Springboks winger and fullback are unknown since he has maintained a private lifestyle. However, reports show he is single and has never been married.

Final word

As a rising South African rugby industry star, Kurt-Lee Arendse has bagged numerous awards and honours representing his club and nation. With his speed, agility, and defensive abilities, he is a strong attacking threat and a reliable player on the pitch. Undoubtedly, we will see more of him in the coming days.

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Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.
Tags
Springboks