Bright Sparks

Morne Steyn • Springbok Fly-half

May 27, 2016

Meet Springbok Fly-half Morné Steyn. Prolific for the Bulls, stead fast for the Bokke, Morne became one of the top fly-halfs of his era. Currently playing for Stade Français in the French Top 14 competition, Morne set numerous records, including most points in a test by a South African, most points in a Tri Nations match, and fastest Springbok to 400 points.

Morne has won an U-21 World Cup, 2 Currie Cups, 3 Super rugby titles, 1 Tri-Nations and a French Top 14 title. An incredible sportsman and a true stand-up guy.

Morne with his wife Christelle and sons Jovan & Christean in Paris

Name: Morne
Surname: Steyn
Age: 32 (In July)
Profession/Life’s work: Sportsman

So, what’s your story?

Where were you born? Cape Town
Where did you go to school? Sand Du Plessis High School in Bloemfontein
What was your childhood dream? To be a professional sportsman or police officer
What was your first job? Pro Rugby Player
Advice that shaped you career? There is no shortcuts to success
What gets you out of bed in the morning? What motivates you? The talents I received from God. I believe that if you don’t use your talents to the fullest, you are wasting it. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing then you shouldn’t do it.
How do you juggle the demands of your career with your family life and hobbies? The demands of my career is sometimes hard on the family, but we as a family enjoy it and we get the chance to see the world together.
How do you spend your down time? Spending time with my family, or go to the golf course with a friend
What has been your aha moment? When did you realise who you were supposed to be? In school I realised that I have the potential to maybe go further in rugby.
What does success look like to you? For me it would be anyone who enjoy what they are doing and making a difference in people’s life is successful in their own way
What sets you apart as a rugby player – what makes you stand out? People sometimes put us as rugby players on a pedestal, but everyone has talents and stands out in their own way. It is just that ours are seen on television and that makes us more well known.
What are the valuable lessons you have learnt in your career? People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Rugby is just a part time job, it is more about the differences we can make in people’s lives.
What was the hardest career decision you had to make so far? First to leave my family in Bloemfontein and move to Pretoria an then in 2013 to go to France
What makes a great team mate? The one that will always stand by you, no matter what. Same as a good friend, he is not the one bailing you of jail he is the one who sits next to you – Haha!
Give me one word that describes you best? Enlightening
What are your 3 biggest accomplishments in your career thus far? Every trophy I have won, and playing for South Africa is such a privilege. To me every game I played was an accomplishment and highlight
I wish I could tell my 22-year-old self: No Regrets
Hidden talent: Not a bad gymnast, singer and golfer
What other rugby players do you look up to? Jonny Wilkinson
What is one characteristic that you believe every great rugby player should possess? Never say die attitude
What is one mistake you witness rugby players making more frequently than others? They think they are bigger than the game
What advice would you give someone starting their professional rugby career? Enjoy every moment and always remember were your talents come from. Always work hard.