Springboks Baby Boom: Players Announce New Additions to Growing Families

JOHANNESBURG — Late July 2024

Multiple Springboks players who welcomed first babies months after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup are now expecting new additions to their families.

At least four player families have announced pregnancies since the team’s triumph in France, with several now preparing for their second child.

Lock Eben Etzebeth and his wife Anlia, who had their first baby in January 2024, revealed they’re expecting their second child. Anlia shared her baby bump photo on Instagram late July (Anlia Etzebeth’s Instagram).

Handre Pollard and wife Marise, whose son Hunter was born in April 2024, are now expecting a daughter. Marise confirmed this by posting: “Pilates in front of the fireplace with rain falling on the farmhouse sink roof, happy Monday & 22 weeks baby girl ☁️” (Marise Pollard’s Instagram).

Faf de Klerk and wife Mine, parents since February 2024, will welcome their second baby girl in November. Mine expressed excitement saying: “We are so excited for our little one arriving in November — how exciting! 🍼🎀 Welcoming a baby girl is such a joyful time.” (Mine de Klerk’s Instagram).

Winger Edwill van der Merve and wife Nadine announced their first baby due this year. Their social media caption read: “Half of me and half of you 🥹👶🏽🩵” (Nadine van der Merve’s Instagram).