Former Lowvelder and Lydenburg’s own born and raised rugby star, Kwagga Smith, earned his 50th cap for the Springboks in their test against Scotland on Sunday November 10.

The test was the Springboks’ opening encounter of the 2024 Castle Lager Outgoing Series, and the 31-year-old Smith was picked to start at eighth man. This meant he would earn his 50th cap in the green and gold for the Springboks, having made his debut against Wales in 2018.

Having come off a highly successful sevens career with the Blitzboks, since his debut, Smith has become a crucial part of the Springboks setup. The Laerskool Lydenburg and HTS Middelburg alumnus has won the Rugby World Cup twice with the Boks.

He had a top game at Murrayfield on Sunday, with four ball carries that saw him make 19m. He made nine tackles and completed one offload in his time on the park.

Smith, who is one of a select group of players who represented both the Blitzboks and Springboks, was delighted about his achievement and said the victory made the occasion even more special for him. “Playing at Murrayfield and getting a win in my 50th game was very special,” said Smith.

“I thought Scotland played very well, and unfortunately, we made a lot of mistakes. But for the boys to pull it through and get the result was memorable, and it’s a real honour to mark the occasion with this team.”

Looking back on his journey from the national sevens team to the Springboks, where he is now one of several double Rugby World Cup winners in the touring squad, Smith said: “Playing sevens and going to the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games were fantastic, as well as playing 35 tournaments for the Blitzboks, but then one sets your next goal, and I wanted to be a Springbok.”

While he certainly didn’t expect to get this far, he’s grateful to have done so. “I didn’t think I’d get to 50 test matches, so it’s an honour and special to give something back to this team.”