17 Facts About Bobby Skinstad

Robert Brian Skinstad was born on 3 July 1976 and is a former rugby union professional player who has represented the South African national team, the Springboks.

Bobby Skinstad played in the positions of flanker and number eight.

Bobby Skinstad lived in Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal while he attended Highbury Preparatory School in the nearby town of Hillcrest, he attended Fores in Rondebosch, before boarding at Hilton College.

Bobby Skinstad was selected by Western Province for the Currie Cup and Super 12, and went on to captain both sides.

Bobby Skinstad then moved to Johannesburg and played the 2003 season for the Golden Lions and the Cats before leaving for the United Kingdom.

Bobby Skinstad was eligible to represent 3 countries at international level: Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ireland, through his Irish mother Alana who hails from County Louth.

Bobby Skinstad carried a leg injury into the competition, and made little impression.

Bobby Skinstad captained the Springboks in 12 tests, since 24 October 2003.

In January 2004 Bobby Skinstad terminated his contract with SA Rugby and signed with Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales, for whom he played just 9 games.

Bobby Skinstad then worked with a group, including businessmen Johann Rupert and Wayne Huizenga trying to take over an English club in London and played part-time for Richmond in England's London South-East Division 1.

Bobby Skinstad was a regular player for the Barbarians and has captained them on several occasions.

Bobby Skinstad has worked as an analyst and occasional presenter covering the Super 14, Currie Cup and NPC Tournaments for Sky Sports.

Bobby Skinstad made his return coming off the bench against the Highlanders in New Zealand, and went on to make another 9 appearances, including a substitute's role in the final.

Bobby Skinstad was rewarded with a recall to the Springbok training camp in May 2007, and when Danie Rossouw was taken ill, Skinstad was named on the bench for the second test against England on 2 June, continuing a remarkable comeback.

Bobby Skinstad then was chosen as captain for the Boks' 2007 Tri Nations match against Australia on 7 July, when coach Jake White rested several senior players in preparation for the World Cup.

Bobby Skinstad only played and captained one full game in South Africa's winning campaign, and made three further appearances as a substitute.

Bobby Skinstad retired from professional rugby on 6 November 2007.