Wandisile Simelane

Electric footwork and acceleration have made Wandisile Simelane one of South African rugby's most watchable attacking backs. Born on 21 March 1998, the midfielder and outside back first caught the eye at the Lions, where a standout 2018 campaign earned him the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award and a subsequent Springbok call-up. Now with the Stormers, he remains a genuine line-breaking threat, known for his ability to beat defenders one-on-one, a deft sidestep and an instinct for finding and exploiting space. He is equally comfortable starting or providing impact from the bench, giving the Stormers a potent attacking option capable of conjuring a try from a single moment of individual brilliance. Beyond his obvious flair, Simelane offers a useful passing game and the footwork to bring runners into play in the wider channels. His pace and creativity continue to mark him out as one of the more eye-catching backs in South African rugby.