Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett turns 70

Former Springbok and national team coach Nick Mallett celebrates his 70th birthday today, Friday, 30 October, marking a milestone for one of South African rugby’s most recognisable figures.

Mallett enjoyed a playing career with Western Province – and the Springboks – before making his mark as a coach, leading South Africa through one of the most successful periods in their history.

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Studied at UCT

Born Nicholas Vivian Hayward Mallett in Haileybury in Hertfordshire in England, on 30 October 1956, he attended St Andrew’s School in Grahamstown before beginning his rugby career.

He was called up to the Western Province Currie Cup team while studying at the University of Cape Town in the late 1970s.

In 1979, he moved to Oxford University, where he earned rugby and cricket Blues. He also made headlines in a friendly cricket match against Somerset when he reportedly hit England great Ian Botham for three sixes in one over.

After returning to South Africa, Mallett continued playing for Western Province.

Two Springbok Test appearances

Nick Mallett was part of the Western Province team that won three consecutive Currie Cup titles between 1982 and 1985.

His performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks, and he made his Test debut against South America at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 20 October 1984.

Playing at eighthman, Mallett scored a try in South Africa’s 32-15 victory.

He earned his second and final Springbok cap a week later, on 27 October 1984, when the teams met at Newlands in Cape Town. The Springboks won that encounter 22-13.

Mallett finished his international playing career with two Test appearances and one try.

He is Springbok No 541.

From club rugby in France to the Springboks

Nick Mallett’s coaching career began in France, where he spent five seasons playing for and coaching St Claude in the Jura Mountains.

He later moved to Boulogne-Billancourt in Paris before returning to South Africa in 1994.

His first coaching role back home was with False Bay Rugby Club. He subsequently took charge of the Boland Cavaliers, guiding the team to a narrow defeat in the Currie Cup quarter-finals.

After two seasons with Boland, Mallett joined the Springbok coaching staff as an assistant in 1996.

He took over as head coach the following year, succeeding after a difficult period for South African rugby that included a series defeat to the British and Irish Lions and a disappointing Tri-Nations campaign.

Record-breaking Springbok era

Nick Mallett quickly transformed the Springboks’ fortunes.

Under his leadership, South Africa equalled the world record of 17 consecutive Test victories and won the Tri-Nations title.

However, his tenure ended on a disappointing note at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

The campaign was also overshadowed by Mallett’s decision to leave out captain Gary Teichmann, following a reported falling-out between the pair.

In 2000, Mallett publicly criticised the South African Rugby Union over ticket prices, accusing the organisation of greed.

He subsequently resigned while facing a hearing over charges of bringing the game into disrepute.

In total, Mallett coached the Springboks in 38 Tests, winning 27 and losing 11 for a win-percentage of 71.1%.

Success in France and Italy

Nick Mallett returned to France, taking charge of Stade Français in 2000.

The club went on to win consecutive French Top 14 titles in 2003 and 2004 under his leadership.

He returned to Western Province in 2004, this time as director of rugby.

In 2007, Mallett was appointed head coach of Italy’s national team.

He took charge of his first Six Nations campaign in 2008. Although Italy managed only one victory, Mallett was credited with helping develop a team seeking to become more competitive at international level.

His career across South Africa, France and Italy established him as one of the most experienced coaches in the international game.

Nick Mallett shares a birthday with a number of fellow Springboks, including Paul Roos (deceased), Phil Mostert (deceased), Alan Menter (80) and Wian du Preez (44).