Where are 2007 World Cup Springboks now? Percy Montgomery
More than 15 years after the Springboks won the 2007 World Cup, we look back at where these players are now.
The 2007 Springboks cemented their place in South Africa’s sporting history with a 15-6 win over England in the Rugby World Cup final hosted at the Stade de France in Paris. Percy Montgomery, who finished as the 2007 tournament’s top points scorer with 105, slotted four out of four penalties in another incredible display of dead-eye goal kicking with his traditional short run up.
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In an ongoing series, we take a look at where the Springboks who started in the 2007 World Cup final against England are now, starting with the famous fullback.
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PERCY MONTGOMERY
Following the 2007 tournament, Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 caps before retiring from rugby in 2009.
Not long after, he re-joined the Springboks as a kicking coach consultant between 2009 and 2011, but he is no longer intensively involved in coaching.
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Still living in Cape Town, Montgomery has notably set up the SACS Percy Montgomery Rugby Foundation to help create opportunities for underprivileged yet talented rugby-playing children.
According to its bio, “the Foundation’s purpose is to provide funding to develop the game of rugby at both SACS Junior and SACS High, and to provide funding for rugby bursaries. Funding generated by the Foundation will primarily be allocated to such bursaries, but the Foundation’s belief in education means funding will not be restricted to rugby players only, and allowance has been made to improve the intellectual capital of rugby masters who coach and administer the game, and boys whose involvement in rugby extends beyond playing the game.”
Montgomery is also a co-founder of EL CENTURION 102, a high-end liquor brand, while his name is attached to Percys Lager, a locally brewed beer.
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HALL OF FAMERS
Notably, former Springbok coach Jake White and the triumphant 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, captained by John Smit, were inducted into the SA Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.
“Their outstanding achievements and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only left an indelible mark on South African rugby but have also united the entire country in celebration,” a statement read.
“The 2007 World Cup Springboks displayed immense courage, determination and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their unforgettable performance on the field not only brought joy to millions of rugby fans but also fostered a sense of national pride and unity during a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history.