Meet the Springbok players’ wives who’ll be in France for the Rugby World Cup

Running out in the green and gold jersey to represent the Springboks in any match is an indescribable honour – even more so when you are defending the team’s title as Rugby World Cup champs.

However, with this great honour, comes great sacrifice. Rugby players are often away from home for months at a team when they are touring, leaving their families behind to keep the house standing while they play a sport they love for a nation that loves them just as much.

As the Springboks take to the rugby field in Marseille, France to take on Scotland in their first Rugby World Cup Game, we look at the strong women supporting them to live their dreams and play their hearts out.

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Meet the Springbok players’ wives in France for the Rugby World Cup

Ezel Vermeulen

This year will be Springboks number eight, Duane Vermeulen’s wife, Ezel’s third time supporting her husband at a Rugby World Cup. The couple’s kids Anru (1src) and Zian (6) travelled with their mom to France to support their dad.

Jean-Marie Fourie

36-year-old Deon Fourie made history as the oldest Springbok debutant. As he runs out in the number 6 jersey, his wife, Jean-Marie and his kids, Jamie (4) and Brinley (2) will be there to cheer him on.

Gavaza Nyakane

The Springboks’ tighthead prop, Trevor Nyakane and his wife Gavaza Nyakana have been married for five years. The couple have a four-year-old daughter, Skylar. Trevor and Gavaza have been living in Paris since 2src22 where Trevor plays club rugby when he is not representing South Africa. His two girls will be next to the field supporting him for the duration of the Rugby World Cup.

Miné de Klerk

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and his wife Miné will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on 1 October – the same day as the big match between the Springboks and Tonga.

Speaking to Afrikaans publication Huisgenoot, Miné said she is excited to join her husband in France, to tour the beautiful country and to enjoy all the French foo