---
title: "South African rugby in 2025: A year for the history books"
description: "From the Springboks’ continued reign at the top of world rugby to standout performances across the women’s and junior games, 2025 delivered excellence at every level. With silverware added and the world No 1 ranking secured for a third consecutive season, this was a year that confirmed South Africa’s depth, dominance and enduring rugby culture. Maverick Sports editor Craig Ray explains."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "VIDEO"
author: "Craig Ray"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/craig-ray/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-12-23-south-african-rugby-in-2025-a-year-for-the-history-books/"
published: "2025-12-23T15:00:07"
updated: "2025-12-23T11:06:07"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 38
---

# South African rugby in 2025: A year for the history books

> From the Springboks’ continued reign at the top of world rugby to standout performances across the women’s and junior games, 2025 delivered excellence at every level. With silverware added and the world No 1 ranking secured for a third consecutive season, this was a year that confirmed South Africa’s depth, dominance and enduring rugby culture. Maverick Sports editor Craig Ray explains.

By Craig Ray · Published 23 December 2025, 17:00 SAST · Updated 23 December 2025, 13:06 SAST

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8C2CKgCbew)

Reporting by: Craig Ray
Edited by: Anda Tolibadi
Filmed by: Joel Seboa
Produced by: Emilie Gambade
Sub-edited by: Kevin Flynn

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