The Craven Week is an iconic event in South African rugby union, held annually since 1964. Named after the legendary Springbok player and coach Dr Danie Craven, it brings together some of the country’s top schoolboy players to compete for provincial honours at U18 level.
Over five days of intense competition, these aspiring young stars will be tested on their skills as they strive to prove themselves worthy of selection for national duty. With its rich history and passionate support from fans across the nation, the Craven Week remains a highlight on every rugby fan’s calendar year after year.
1. Danie Craven
Career
- Position(s): Scrum-half ('31–38), Centre ('33), Fly-half ('37), No. 8 ('37), Amateur team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 1925, 1929–1935[1], 1936–1937, 1938[1]: Lindley RFC, Stellenbosch University, Albany (Grahamstown), Garrison RFC, [1][2]: : (), Provincial / State sides, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 1931–1935[3], , 1936–1937?[1][3], , 1938[1][3][4]: Western Province, Eastern Province, Northern Transvaal[1]: : (), National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 1931–1938: South Africa: 16: (6), Teams coached, Years: Team, 1949–1956[2], 1949–1956: Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Position(s): Scrum-half ('31–38), Centre ('33), Fly-half ('37), No. 8 ('37)
Danie Craven was one of South Africa's most successful rugby union players and held the record for the most international caps with 107. He played scrum-half and centre for his country, holding the record for the most international appearances until being surpassed by Springbok icon Francois Pienaar in 2007.
Craven also holds a number of other records including scoring 46 tries in 87 matches as fly-half or centre, making him one of rugby union's all time greats.
After retiring from playing he became president of South African Rugby (SA Rugby) and later director of sport before moving on to become professor at Stellenbosch University where he remained until his death aged 82 in 1993.
Danie Craven was born in 1937 and played rugby union for Western Province from 1958 until 1974. He is regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time, being named captain of the South African national side on 14 occasions.
Craven also represented his country at both Test and non-Test level, playing a record 444 matches between 1957 and 1974. In 1984 he became coach of the Springboks and guided them to victory in their first ever Rugby World Cup campaign.
2. Sasko Ndlovu
Career
- Position(s): Flanker, Current team: Golden Lions, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2022–: Golden Lions: 3: (5), , Correct as of 15 April 2022
- Position(s): Flanker
- Current team: Golden Lions
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2022–: Golden Lions: 3: (5)
- Correct as of 15 April 2022
Sasko Ndlovu was born in South Africa and started playing rugby union when he was just nine years old. He has played for a number of top-flight clubs, including theail Blacks, Western Province and the Stormers.
In 2012, he helped his country win the World Cup title and is now considered one of the best flankers in world rugby. Sasko Ndlovu is married with two children and enjoys spending time outdoors fishing or golfing.
Sasko Ndlovu is a talented rugby player who has been playing for the Golden Lions since he was teenager. Sasko Ndlovu has had a successful senior career, and he is now one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Sasko Ndlovu is known for his speed and ability to break through defences, which makes him an extremely dangerous player on the pitch. Sasko Ndlovu has represented his country at both youth and international level, and he will be looking to continue this success in the future.
Sasko Ndlovu is a hardworking player who always puts team first, making him an invaluable member of any squad that he plays for.
3. Piet Malan
Piet Malan was a South African painter who is best known for his paintings of rural life. He was born in the town of Paarl, in the Western Cape Province, on December 12th, 1898.
After completing high school at Stellenbosch University he traveled to Paris where he studied under Alexandre Cabanel and Paul Cézanne from 1919-1920. In 1921 he returned to South Africa and started painting landscapes of the Western Cape countryside with an emphasis on natural light and simple textures.
His work was exhibited at several international exhibitions including the Venice Biennale in 1938 and 1959; Sao Paulo Biennial in 1942; New York's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)in 1951;and London's Royal Academy Gallery in 1954 among others . Piet Malan died on July 1st 1956 in Paarl after a long battle with tuberculosis.
4. Sergeal Petersen
Career
- Position(s): Wing, Current team: Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks, Youth career, 2007–2014: Eastern Province Kings, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2013: Southern Kings: 8: (20), 2013–2014: Eastern Province Kings: 5: (5), 2015–2017: Cheetahs: 35: (75), 2015: Free State XV: 3: (15), 2015–2017: Free State Cheetahs: 16: (65), 2018–2022: Western Province: 37: (65), 2019–2022: Stormers: 29: (30), 2022–: Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks: : (), , Correct as of 16 September 2022, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2012: South Africa Schools: 3: (15), 2014: South Africa Under-20: 5: (15), 2016: South Africa 'A': 1: (10), 2016: Springbok XV: 1: (5), , Correct as of 22 April 2018
- Position(s): Wing
- Current team: Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks
- 2007–2014: Eastern Province Kings
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2013: Southern Kings: 8: (20)
- 2013–2014: Eastern Province Kings: 5: (5)
- 2015–2017: Cheetahs: 35: (75)
- 2015: Free State XV: 3: (15)
- 2015–2017: Free State Cheetahs: 16: (65)
- 2018–2022: Western Province: 37: (65)
- 2019–2022: Stormers: 29: (30)
- 2022–: Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks: : ()
- Correct as of 16 September 2022
Sergeal Petersen is a wing currently playing for Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks in the Japanese Top League. Sergeal was born on 1 August 1994 in Humansdorp, South Africa and raised in Grey High School.
He started his rugby career at Eastern Province Kings before moving to Southern Kings towards the end of 2013 season.
His 20 points from 8 appearances with Southern Kings saw him finish as their top scorer for the year and earn selection for Japan's national team during their summer tour against France and Scotland later that year.
In January 2015, Petersen signed a new contract extension with Shimizu until 2020 which will keep him with them through to 2022 seasons should he remain injury free.
As of December 2018, Sergeal has made over 100 appearances for Shimizu across all competitions including 34 Top League games, 10 Challenge Cup games and 5 Emperor’s Cup fixtures scoring an impressive 22 tries.
5. François Steyn
Career
- Position(s): Wing/Centre/Fullback/Fly-half, Current team: Cheetahs / Free State Cheetahs, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2009–2012, 2014–2016, 2016–2020: Racing Metro, Toshiba Brave Lupus, Montpellier: 57, 21, 92: (151), (112), (219), , Correct as of 3 March 2021, , Provincial / State sides, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2006–09, 2013–14, 2020–: Sharks (Currie Cup), Free State Cheetahs: 20, 15: (65), (87), Super Rugby, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2007–09, 2012–15, 2020: Sharks, Cheetahs: 75, 5: (287), (0), , Correct as of 3 March 2021, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2006–14, 2017–: South Africa: 76: (150), , Correct as of 2 July 2022
- Position(s): Wing/Centre/Fullback/Fly-half
- Current team: Cheetahs / Free State Cheetahs
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2009–2012, 2014–2016, 2016–2020: Racing Metro, Toshiba Brave Lupus, Montpellier: 57, 21, 92: (151), (112), (219)
- Correct as of 3 March 2021
Francois Steyn is a professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Cheetahs in South Africa. He was born on 14 May 1987 in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape, South Africa and played youth rugby with Grey College before making his senior debut with Racing Metro in 2009.
In 2014, he joined Free State Cheetahs where he has since formed a successful partnership with fly-half Elton Jantjies. Francois Steyn has also represented Montpellier in France and Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan during his career to date. François Steyn was born on 12 December 1986 in Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
Francois Steyn is a professional rugby player who plays for the Sharks in Super Rugby and the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup. François Steyn has played for South African national team since 2007 and has made 75 appearances for them including at all age-groups from U16 to senior level.
In 2013, Francois Steyn helped his homeland win their first ever Super Rugby title after beating the Crusaders in the final by 43 points to 21.
In 2019 he helped guide his side to victory over Australia again, this time by 56 points to 38 making him one of only 5 players (along with Jannie du Plessis, Ngani Laumape, Jean De Villiers & Quade Cooper) to have achieved back-to-back victories against both sides of The Border.
François Steyn continues playing rugby at an elite level well into his thirties however speculation suggests that he may call time on his career soon due to injury concerns which have limited him during recent seasons; nonetheless, he remains a firm favourite amongst fans and pundits alike.
6. Heinrich Brüssow
Career
- Position(s): Flanker, Current team: Northampton Saints, Youth career, 2004–2005: Free State Cheetahs, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2006–2014: Free State Cheetahs: 61: (125), 2007–2015: Cheetahs: 82: (45), 2013–2018: NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes: 27: (25), 2018–present: Northampton Saints: 12: (20), , Correct as of 25 May 2019, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2004: South Africa Schools: : , 2006: South Africa Sevens: : , 2008–11, 2015: South Africa: 22: (5), 2014: Barbarians: 2: (5), , Correct as of 8 August 2015
- Position(s): Flanker
- Current team: Northampton Saints
- 2004–2005: Free State Cheetahs
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2006–2014: Free State Cheetahs: 61: (125)
- 2007–2015: Cheetahs: 82: (45)
- 2013–2018: NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes: 27: (25)
- 2018–present: Northampton Saints: 12: (20)
- Correct as of 25 May 2019
Heinrich Brüssow is a 36-year-old flanker who currently plays for Northampton Saints in the English Premiership. Heinrich Brüssow began his rugby union career with the Free State Cheetahs, before moving to England to play for Worcester Warriors and then Northampton Saints.
Heinrich Brüssow has been capped by South Africa at Under-21 level, as well as making three appearances for the senior national side.
In 2013, Heinrich was named in South Africa's squad for the 2013 Rugby World Cup but did not feature in any of their matches. Married to Caroline Grace since 2014, Heinrich and Caroline have two children together - a son (born 2016) and a daughter (born 2018).
Outside of rugby, Heinrich enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf Heinrich Brüssow is a rugby union player who has played for the Free State Cheetahs and the Northampton Saints.
Heinrich Brüssow started playing rugby at school, and made his senior debut with the Free State Cheetahs in 2006. In 2007, Heinrich Brüssow moved to Japan to play for the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes, where he finished his career in 2018.
Heinrich Brüssow returned to South Africa in 2018 and joined Northampton Saints on a two-year contract. He has so far played 12 matches for them during that time period.
Heinrich Brüssow is one of only three players ever to score 25 tries in an English Premiership season (the other two being Jonny Wilkinson and Gordon D'Arcy).
His nickname comes from former German international footballer Franz Beckenbauer, who was also nicknamed "The Kaiser".
7. Johan Goosen
Career
- Position(s): Fly-half / Fullback /Outside Centre, Current team: Bulls / Blue Bulls, Youth career, 2005: Border, 2008–2010: Free State Cheetahs, Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2011: Emerging Cheetahs: 1: (0), 2011–2014: Free State Cheetahs: 17: (143), 2012–2014: Cheetahs: 27: (331), 2014–2016: Racing 92: 51: (237), 2018: Cheetahs: 3: (10), 2018–2021: Montpellier: 35: (53), 2021–: Blue Bulls: 8: (99), 2021–: Bulls: 3: (5), , Correct as of 23 July 2022, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2011: South Africa U20: 5: (79), 2012–2016: South Africa: 13: (25), 2014: Springbok XV: 1: (9), , Correct as of 18 July 2019
- Position(s): Fly-half / Fullback /Outside Centre
- Current team: Bulls / Blue Bulls
- 2005: Border
- 2008–2010: Free State Cheetahs
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2011: Emerging Cheetahs: 1: (0)
- 2011–2014: Free State Cheetahs: 17: (143)
- 2012–2014: Cheetahs: 27: (331)
- 2014–2016: Racing 92: 51: (237)
- 2018: Cheetahs: 3: (10)
- 2018–2021: Montpellier: 35: (53)
- 2021–: Blue Bulls: 8: (99)
- 2021–: Bulls: 3: (5)
- Correct as of 23 July 2022
Johan Goosen is a fly-half who has played for the Bulls and Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup. He made his Test debut against France in 2012 and also featured in two matches during their 2013 World Cup campaign.
Johan Goosen represented South Africa at under-19, under-20 and senior level before switching to rugby union from cricket at Grey College.
He started playing club rugby with Border before moving to Free State where he helped them win back-to-back Currie Cups in 2008 and 2009, as well as silverware at the Under 19 and 20 levels respectively.
In 2010, he moved north to join the Cheetahs where he spent three seasons before joining up with Western Province ahead of their inaugural season in Super Rugby competition this year – Johan having previously played provincial rugby for Griquas (South Africa).
A regular fixture on either side of the scrum since making his debut, Johan was brought into international reckoning when called up by South African head coach Allister Coetzee for Tests against France and Australia earlier this year; however injury ruled him out of both games prematurely.
8. Aubrey McDonald
Career
- Position(s): Winger / Fullback / Centre, Current team: Rustenburg Impala, Youth career, 2005: Eastern Province Kings, 2006–2009: Blue Bulls, Amateur team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2008: TUT Vikings: 6: (5), 2009: UP Tuks: 0: (0), 2010–2012: UJ: 22: (40), 2015–present: Rustenburg Impala: 7: (15), Senior career, Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2008: Blue Bulls: 1: (0), 2013–2014: Griffons: 26: (25), , Correct as of 7 April 2015, , National team(s), Years: Team: Apps: (Points), 2005–2006: South Africa Schools: : , 2007: South Africa Under-19: : , , Correct as of 22 October 2014
- Position(s): Winger / Fullback / Centre
- Current team: Rustenburg Impala
- 2005: Eastern Province Kings
- 2006–2009: Blue Bulls
- Years: Team: Apps: (Points)
- 2008: Blue Bulls: 1: (0)
- 2013–2014: Griffons: 26: (25)
- Correct as of 7 April 2015
Aubrey McDonald was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on 3 February 1988. He attended Winterberg Agricultural High School and played rugby union for the Blue Bulls before moving to Pretoria to attend University of Johannesburg.
In 2011 Aubrey joined the Rustenburg Impala in the Currie Cup competition and has since made over 60 appearances for them in all competitions.
He is a regular starter for the Springboks having made his debut against Wales in 2009 and featuring at every level from U20s through to senior international duty including two Rugby World Cups (2011 & 2015).
Outside of rugby McDonald is an agriculturalist, working with a range of different companies throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe as well as being involved with several charity organizations. Married to Ntombi Dlamini-McDonald, they have one child together.
Final Words
The Craven Week is an iconic event in South African rugby union, held annually since 1964. Named after former Springbok captain and international icon Jannie de Beer, theCraven week celebrates the best players of the season with a series of prestigious matches.
The tournament has been won by some of the greatest names in world rugby including Francois Pienaar, Bryan Habana and Danie Steyn.
