South African · Walvis Bay, Namibia · Born 15 March 1974South African fullback who retired in 2008 as the Springboks' all-time leader in both caps and points, and was a key figure in South Africa's 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Born Percival Colin Montgomery in Walvis Bay, present-day Namibia, on 15 March 1974, Percy Montgomery made his Springbok debut against the British & Irish Lions in July 1997 and quickly became a mainstay at fullback, renowned for his reliable goal-kicking and burst of pace. Montgomery's international career stalled in 2002 when he moved to Wales to play for Newport, as South Africa's selection policy at the time barred overseas-based players; the rule was later changed and he was recalled by coach Jake White in 2004, helping South Africa win that year's Tri-Nations title. In 2003, he was sent off for pushing a touch judge, receiving a fine and suspended ban that ruled him out of that year's World Cup. Montgomery's finest hour came at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, where he passed Joost van der Westhuizen's Springbok appearance record and finished as the tournament's top points scorer as South Africa won the title. He retired from international rugby in August 2008 having won a then-record 102 caps and scored 893 points, both South African records at the time. After retiring, Montgomery played for Western Province and the Stormers before ending his playing career in 2009. He has since built a business career including a tequila and lager brand, and remains a popular ambassador for South African rugby.
Retiring as South Africa's all-time leading cap and points scorer, and winning the 2007 World Cup
How They Played
Reliable goal-kicker with a burst of attacking pace
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest fullbacks in Springbok history
South African Athletes