James Small, South African rugby player

James Terence Small, born on 10 February 1969 and sadly passing away on 10 July 2019 at the age of 50 due to a heart attack, was an iconic South African rugby union winger whose explosive talent and fierce determination left an indelible mark on the sport. Representing the Springboks with distinction, Small (Springbok #609) was renowned for his electrifying pace, powerful finishes, and tenacious defence, making him one of the most exciting players of his era.

His journey in international rugby began with a highly anticipated debut against the formidable All Blacks in 1992. This match was not just a personal milestone but a deeply symbolic moment for South African sport, marking the Springboks' emotional return to international competition after years of isolation due to apartheid. Playing at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, this fixture against New Zealand represented a new dawn for rugby in the nation.

Small's career was highlighted by numerous achievements, most notably his integral role in the Springboks' historic triumph at the 1995 Rugby World Cup on home soil. His tenacious marking of legendary All Black winger Jonah Lomu in the final, a performance of immense physical and mental fortitude, remains one of the tournament's enduring images and contributed significantly to South Africa's fairytale victory.

His final appearance for the Springboks came against Scotland in 1997. In that memorable test match, Small etched his name further into the record books by scoring his 20th international try. This momentous achievement saw him eclipse the long-standing record of 19 tries held by another Springbok legend, Danie Gerber, to become the leading try scorer for South Africa at the time. Small's record stood until it was surpassed by Bryan Habana in 2008.

Beyond his international exploits, Small also showcased his prolific try-scoring ability at provincial and franchise level. He was the leading try scorer in the inaugural 1996 Super 12 season, a premier professional club competition involving teams from South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Representing the Gauteng Lions (now the Golden Lions), he demonstrated his consistent threat by scoring an impressive 10 tries during that groundbreaking season, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class finisher.

Small's legacy extends beyond statistics; he was a character on and off the field, a true competitor who played with his heart on his sleeve. His contributions to South African rugby, particularly during a pivotal period of national reconciliation and sporting reintegration, ensure his place as a revered figure in the country's sporting history.

Frequently Asked Questions about James Small

When did James Small make his Springbok debut?
James Small made his international debut for the Springboks in 1992 against the All Blacks. This match was historic as it marked South Africa's return to international rugby after years of isolation.
What was James Small's significant achievement in his final test match?
In his final test match against Scotland in 1997, James Small scored his 20th international try, which made him the leading Springbok try scorer at that time, surpassing Danie Gerber's record of 19 tries.
Did James Small play in the 1995 Rugby World Cup?
Yes, James Small was a crucial member of the Springbok squad that famously won the 1995 Rugby World Cup on home soil. He is particularly remembered for his performance in marking Jonah Lomu in the final.
What other try-scoring record did James Small hold?
James Small was also the leading try scorer in the inaugural 1996 Super 12 season, where he scored 10 tries for the Gauteng Lions, demonstrating his consistent ability to find the try-line in a highly competitive professional league.
When was James Small's Springbok try-scoring record broken?
James Small's record of 20 tries as the leading Springbok try scorer was eventually broken by Bryan Habana in 2008.