The captain who lifted the World Cup on behalf of a nation healing from apartheid — Francois Pienaar's handshake with Nelson Mandela at the 1995 World Cup final is one of sport's most celebrated images.
Francois Pienaar captained South Africa to the Rugby World Cup in 1995 — the nation's first as a unified country and the most politically significant World Cup ever played. His leadership of the Springboks bridged South Africa's racial divide at a critical moment in the nation's history. His handshake with Nelson Mandela in matching Springbok number six jerseys is one of sport's most powerful images.
When asked after the match "Did you feel the support of 63,000 South Africans?" he replied: "I felt the support of 43 million South Africans."
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup 1995 (captain)
- Springboks captain