All you need to know about Manie Libbok, the exceptional fly-half

All you need to know about Manie Libbok, the exceptional fly-half

Helix Odhiambo
February 23, 2024 at 6:02 AM

The South African rugby star has received global praise for his unique talents and skills. Manie Libbok is unquestionably a top-notch fly-half and a key pillar in the Springboks squad. His versatility enables him to play in multiple positions.

Manie Libbok of the Stormers
Manie Libbok of the DHL Stormers is a celebrated winner of the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks (R). Photo: Jean Catuffe, Sam Barnes (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Libbok made his Springboks debut in November 2022 and has risen to become a regular starter, donning the iconic jersey no. 10. Some believe he is the best professional fly-half South Africa has ever produced. Explore facts about the rugby star, including his background, career, family, and net worth.

Manie Libbok's profile summary

Full name

Immanuel Libbok

Known as

Manie Libbok

Date of birth

15 July 1997

Age

26 (as of February 2024)

Birthplace

Humansdorp, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Height

1.84 m (6' 0")

Weight

76 kg (168 lbs)

Education

HTS Daniël Pienaar, Outeniqua

Occupation

Rugby player

Position

Fly-half

Current teams

Stormers, South Africa national rugby team (the Springboks)

Fiancee

Verna-Lee Arries

Net worth

$2 million

Social media

Instagram, Facebook

How old is Manie Libbok?

Talented fly-half Manie Libbok (age 26 as of February 2024) was born on 15 July 1997 in Humansdorp, South Africa, as Immanuel Libbok.

Facts about Manie Libbok
Manie Libbok of South Africa reacts against France at the 2023 Rugby World Cup France quarter-final at Stade de France on 15 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Franco Arland
Source: Original

Manie Libbok's height and weight

According to the Stormers' website, the rugby star is 1.84 m or six feet and zero inches tall. Manie Libbok's weight is 76 kg or 168 lbs.

Manie Libbok's biography

The fly-half grew up in Humansdorp, where he developed his passion for sports. Manie played cricket and rugby in the neighbourhood. His supportive family helped him nurture his skills and chase his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

Manie Libbok's family

Are Manie Libbok's parents alive? His mother is Lena Libbok, but his father's and siblings' names remain unknown. Manie Libbok's mother and his siblings are alive.

He was also raised by his grandmother, who passed away in April 2022 at 85, according to his family's statement on news24. His late uncle, William, also mentored him.

"His uncle and our late brother, Willem Libbok, also a fly-half in his day, used a plastic bottle to teach Manie the skill of accurately kicking before he could kick a rugby ball." Read part of the family's statement.

Is Manie Libbok married?

Manie Libbok and Verna-Lee Arries
Manie Libbok and his girlfriend Verna-Lee Arries enjoy quality time together. Photo: @manielibbok (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

The Springboks fly-half is not married but dating his high school girlfriend, Verna-Lee Arries. He proposed to her in July 2023, and she said yes! Manie popped the question at a picnic at Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery in Cape Town. The couple met at Outeniqua High School in George, where they studied together.

"We were in the same business class and that's where we met. He was very shy and quiet, and I'm very bubbly, so I was the first one talking to him," Verna revealed.

The soon-to-be Manie Libbok's wife lives a private life despite dating a celebrity athlete. She is reportedly a ballroom and Latin dancer who studied at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth.

Education

The athlete attended HTS Daniël Pienaar in Uitenhage before moving to George in 2014 to study at Hoërskool Outeniqua.

Career background

South Africa's Manie Libbok
Manie Libbok has played for several clubs, including the Sharks (L), the Stormers (C), and the Bulls (R). Photo: Ashley Vlotman, Anesh Debiky, Bob Bradford (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Libbok began showcasing his skills in high school tournaments. He starred in multiple rugby games for the Eastern Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2013. Manie also played for the Hoërskool Outeniqua at the Under-18 Craven Week competition in 2014 and 2015.

His standout performance came in the 2015 Craven Week competition, scoring two tries, four conversions, and a penalty, finishing as the tournament's top scorer. Here is a timeline of his career journey and stats per team.

Blue Bulls

The fly-half moved to Pretoria to join the Blue Bulls' youth side in 2016. He debuted in the 2016 Currie Cup qualification series as a full-back. Manie also starred for the Bulls' Under-19 and Under-21 teams.

How many games did Manie Libbok play for the Bulls? According to Manie Libbok's All Rugby stats, he made 35 appearances for the Bulls from 2018 to 2020, scoring 67 points, including seven tries.

The Sharks

How many games did Manie Libbok play for the Sharks? The fly-half spent one season with the Sharks and managed 11 appearances. He scored 18 points, including two tries.

The Stormers

Manie Libbok of the Stormers
Manie Libbok of DHL Stormers scores against Connacht at The Sportsground in Galway, on 26 February 2022. Photo: Diarmuid Greene
Source: Getty Images

Manie joined the Stormers in 2021, where he has enjoyed a decent run in the United Rugby Championship. He helped the team win their first URC title in the 2021-22 season. The fly-half also had a fantastic 2022-23 season, winning the Vodacom Fans' Player of the Season, despite losing the URC final to Munster.

Libbok finished the season as the leading points-scorer with 167 from 16 appearances. The Humansdorp native has 51 appearances for the Stormers and scored 478 points as of February 2024. He has also bagged ten tries for the team.

National team

Libbok's South African career began in national school competitions in 2015. He also played at the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship, guiding South Africa to a fourth-place finish. Manie made his senior Springboks debut in November 2022 as a substitute in a 30-26 defeat to France.

Manie Libbok at the Rugby World Cup
Manie Libbok of South Africa kicks the ball during their 2023 Rugby World Cup match against England at Stade de France on 21 October 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Lionel Hahn
Source: Getty Images

In July 2023, he earned his first start at Loftus Versfeld in the Rugby Championship against Australia. The athlete expressed his joy to the media ahead of the game.

"I've always wanted to become a Springbok, and I knew that in order to achieve that, I had to keep my head down and keep working, so I am honoured to have this opportunity to play." Manie said.

Manie was also part of the Springboks' squad that lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. He successfully replaced the 2019 fly-half Handré Pollard, who missed the opening games due to injury. Libbok has 14 caps and scored 87 points for the national team, including one try.

Frequently asked questions

Manie Libbok on a trophy tour
Manie Libbok gestures during the Springboks' trophy tour on 4 November 2023 in Durban, South Africa. Photo: Darren Stewart
Source: Getty Images

The Humansdorp native has proved his capabilities, establishing himself among the best fly-halves in world rugby. His meteoric rise and determination to pursue his childhood dream of lifting the Rugby World Cup has inspired many. Discover other facts about him here.

What positions can Manie Libbok play?

The athlete has played most of his career as a fly-half. He has also occupied the full-back position in a few games.

How much is Manie Libbok's salary?

Although his salary details have not been disclosed, the Stormers' star is reportedly one of the top Rugby stars earning well. Surprise Sports revealed South African rugby players earn between $13,408 and $111,738 annually.

What is Manie Libbok's net worth?

Surprise Sports estimates his net worth to be around $2 million, earned from his salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals. Other sources like People Ai project his wealth to $2.5 million.

Final word

Manie Libbok is a highly-rated Springbok fly-half whose talent and winning spirit have transformed the team. He has enjoyed a remarkable career but still has room to improve and contribute more to the team. Libbok is a role model to many on and off the pitch.

READ ALSO: Discover the life story and personal details of former rugby player Duane Vermeulen

Sports Brief also published the life story of Duane Vermeulen, a retired professional rugby union player whose success inspired many. Duane played for multiple clubs and won back-to-back World Cup titles with the Springboks (2019 and 2023). Explore facts about him through the above link.

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.
Tags
South African Rugby Union (SARU)Rugby World Cup