Rising South African rugby star Haashim Pead has been crowned Junior Springbok Player of the Year, capping a remarkable season that saw the Bo-Kaap-born scrum-half emerge as one of the brightest young talents in the country.
The 20-year-old, who plays at scrum-half, rose to prominence with the South Africa national under-20 rugby union team during a historic campaign that culminated in the team winning the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. South Africa defeated New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team 23-15 in the final to claim their first title in 13 years, with Pead playing a key role throughout the tournament.
During the championship, Pead’s sharp decision-making, quick service from the base of the ruck and attacking flair made him one of the stand-out performers. He scored multiple tries during the tournament and broke records for metres gained by a scrum-half in the group stages, underlining his attacking threat.
From Bo-Kaap streets to international rugby
Pead’s journey to the top began in the historic Cape Town neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, where he first learned the game and developed his passion for rugby. He started out at the local club Schotsche Kloof Walmers RFC, a side closely tied to the Bo-Kaap community and one where his father once captained the team.
After showing early promise, Pead earned a bursary to attend Diocesan College (Bishops) in Cape Town, one of the country’s top rugby schools. There he continued to develop his game and represented Western Province Rugby at the prestigious Craven Week tournament, where he helped his side remain unbeaten.
His performances soon caught the attention of professional scouts and he was recruited by the Golden Lions, going on to represent the franchise in the Currie Cup and the senior Lions setup.
Pead also gained experience in university rugby, featuring in the Varsity Cup for University of the Witwatersrand, further cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting young prospects.
A hero’s welcome at home
Following the Junior Boks’ world championship victory, Pead returned to Cape Town to a hero’s welcome from residents in Bo-Kaap, highlighting the pride his achievements have brought to the historic community.
The young scrum-half has also attracted attention at senior level, having been invited to train with the South Africa national rugby union team, with many observers tipping him as a future Springbok regular.
Other winners at the SA Rugby Awards
Pead’s recognition came as part of the annual SA Rugby Awards, which celebrates the best performers in South African rugby across several categories. Among the nominees for major honours were leading Springbok stars such as Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Jasper Wiese and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the Men’s Player of the Year category.
In other categories, players like Nadine Roos and Babalwa Latsha were recognised among the top women’s players, while Blitzbok stars including Selvyn Davids and Shilton van Wyk featured among the nominees for the Springbok Sevens Men’s Player of the Year award.
For Pead, however, the Junior Springbok Player of the Year accolade marks a defining moment in a career that began on the streets and fields of Bo-Kaap. With his blend of speed, vision and confidence, the young scrum-half looks poised to become one of South African rugby’s next major stars.
