Immerse yourself in the personal and professional narrative of RG Snyman, the rugby sensation

Immerse yourself in the personal and professional narrative of RG Snyman, the rugby sensation

Helix Odhiambo
February 19, 2024 at 1:48 PM

RG Snyman has enjoyed an illustrious rugby career playing for multiple clubs in Europe and South Africa. His real name is Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman. The bearded beast plays as a lock and has emerged among the best because of his athleticism, ball-handling skills, and towering presence.

RG Snyman of South Africa and Munster
RG Snyman of South Africa at the 2023 World Cup (L) and the United Rugby Championship match (R) with Munster. Photo: Craig Mercer, Harry Murphy (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Snyman is a product of the Bulls Academy. Most fans and his teammates call him 'The Viking' for his Viking-like appearance. Rudolph plays for the Irish club Munster and the Springboks. Here is the story of the lock, including his background, career, and where he is now.

RG Snyman's profile summary

Full name

Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman

Known as

RG Snyman

Date of birth

29 January 1995

Age

29 (as of February 2024)

Birthplace

Potchefstroom, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Height

2.06 m (6' 9")

Weight

117 kg (258 lbs)

Education

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool

Profession

Rugby Union Player

Position

Lock

Current teams

Munster, South Africa national team (Springboks)

Mother

Annelie

Wife

Saskia Snyman

Annual salary

$539k

Net worth

$1 million - $5 million

Social media

Instagram

How old is RG Snyman?

Rugby star RG Snyman (age 29 as of February 2024) was born in Potchefstroom, South Africa. His journey to becoming a rugby icon reflects his hard work and dedication since childhood.

RG Snyman's family

Facts about RG Snyman
RG Snyman of South Africa celebrates winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup after beating New Zealand at Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Cameron Spencer
Source: Original

Details of his father and siblings remain unknown, but his mother, Annelie, died suddenly during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As per the Daily Maverick, he told reporters how losing her mother after suffering injuries impacted his life.

"Losing my mother was the biggest heartbreak I've suffered. She was my shoulder to cry on and the person, with a smile, who would tell me everything will work itself out," Snyman said. "It's been really difficult to go through these setbacks without my mother's wise advice and comfort."

How tall is RG Snyman in feet?

According to Rugby World Cup 2023 stats, RG Snyman's height is 2.06 m (6' 9"), and weight is 131 kg (289 lbs). He is currently the tallest Springboks player, followed by Jean Kleyn (2.03 m) and Eben Etzebeth (2.03 m). RG Snyman's size has helped him become a formidable lock that few can open and push past.

RG Snyman's career and stats

Rugby lock RG Snyman
RG Snyman has played for Vodacom Blue Bulls (L), Honda Heat (C), and the Springboks of South Africa (R). Photo: Richard Huggard, Franco Arland, @rgsnyman (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The 2.06 m tall lock showed his potential in primary school, where he represented his school in the 2008 Under-13 Craven Week competition. He is also a product of the famed Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool school. We break down his career journey and achievements.

Blue Bulls (2015-2017)

RG joined the Bulls' senior team in 2015 at 20 and debuted in their opening match of the Super Rugby season against the Stormers. The Bulls extended his contract until October 2017 following his decent performances.

The Potchefstroom native played 49 games for the Bulls in two years. He scored 10 points, including two tries for the South African club before moving overseas for greener pastures.

Honda Heat (2017-2020)

Snyman's rugby expedition landed him at Honda Heat in the Japanese Top Challenge League. He made 19 appearances for the side and netted 25 points, then joined Munster in Ireland.

Munster (2020-2024)

RG Snyman of Munster
RG Snyman of Munster is training for their United Rugby Championship match against Cell C Sharks at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo: Seb Daly
Source: Getty Images

How many appearances has RG Snyman made for Munster? The lock played only ten games for the Irish club in four years following fitness issues. Munster competes in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

RG helped the club lift the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship after defeating the Stormers in the final in Cape Town. He announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season to join Leinster.

National team

RG began with South Africa's U-20 team in 2015 and later joined the A team. He earned his first senior call in 2018 and debuted in a 42-39 victory over England on 9 June 2018 in Johannesburg. The talented lock helped South Africa finish second in the 2018 Rugby Championship before leading them to the title in 2019.

The former Bulls player was among the star performers as the Springboks lifted the 2019 Rugby World Cup and retained it in 2023. He has 34 caps for the national team, scoring 10 points, including two tries as of February 2024.

Frequently asked questions

RG Snyman and Saskia
RG Snyman and his wife Saskia celebrate with The Webb Ellis Cup after defeating New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: David Ramos
Source: Getty Images

'The Viking' has showcased immense abilities and leadership skills throughout his career, establishing himself among the best locks in world rugby. Here are frequently asked questions about him.

Who is RG Snyman's wife?

The Springboks star got engaged to his sweetheart Saskia in March 2019 and wedded in November of that year at the Greenhouse Café on the outskirts of eastern Pretoria. She attended the University of Pretoria, where she met the rugby player.

RG Snyman's wife's height is shorter than the athlete, who is the tallest Springbok. She lives in Ireland with RG and works at an accounting firm.

"My wife was a big pillar throughout this whole time, just standing by me in those times that you do drop off and become a bit negative," RG said.

How is RG Snyman's injury?

RG has suffered multiple fitness setbacks in his career. The latest was a chest injury he sustained during the Rugby World Cup final in October 2023. He underwent surgery in November and recovered in February 2024. Snyman is currently fit and available for selection.

What team does RG Snyman play for?

Rg Snyman of South Africa
Rg Snyman (R) of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against Ireland at Stade de France on 23 September 2023, in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. Photo: Christian Liewig
Source: Getty Images

Saskia's husband plays for Munster in Ireland. He joined the team from Japan's Honda Heat. RG recently agreed to sign for Leinster and join them in the 2024-25 season.

How many times has RG Snyman played for Munster?

RG has played only ten games for the Irish club in four years as of February 2024. A series of injuries have sidelined him for long, and he is expected to leave the club at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Does RG Snyman have a tattoo?

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has faced past criticisms over his tattoos. An X (Twitter) user accused RG of inking a racist tattoo of the late AWB leader Eugene Terre'Blanche. EFF Leader Julius Malema also criticised Snyman and Handre Pollard for their inks.

RG Snyman and Handre Pollard
RG Snyman (L) celebrates their 2023 Rugby World Cup win in Pretoria. On the left is him and Handre Pollard with their wives. Photo: Lee Warren, @marisepollard (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Pollard and RG Snyman's arm tattoos of triangles also made headlines as most fans struggled to understand their meaning and importance.

How much does RG Snyman get paid?

RG Snyman's salary at Munster remains undisclosed, but the Springboks star will earn around $539k annually at Leinster. It is reportedly higher than what he is receiving at Munster.

How much is RG Snyman's net worth?

The Potchefstroom native has a net worth of $1 million to $5 million. His wealth primarily comes from his rugby career through salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

Social media

The talented lock is only available on Instagram, with 140k followers as of February 2024. He has shared numerous photos of his vacations and moments on the pitch.

Final word

RG Snyman's journey from South Africa to Japan and Ireland has given him vast experience of playing in different places with multiple talents. He is one of the key players in the generation of the Springboks squad that won two Rugby World Cups.

READ ALSO: All you need to know about Rassie Erasmus, the former Springboks head coach

Sports Brief covered the story of Rassie Erasmus, the former Springboks head coach and one of the most influential people in modern rugby.

Rassie had an illustrious coaching career after ending his playing career because of tragic injuries. Follow the above link for more details about him.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.