Stormers midfield marvel: Marius Joubert
06/23/2024 02:59 PM
Known for his explosive pace and deft skills, Marius Joubert was a dynamic force in midfield for the DHL Stormers.
Joubert's ability to break through the defensive line as well as create opportunities for his teammates made him a threat on attack and a DHL Stormers fan-favourite from 2002 to 2006.
The Paarl Gimnasium alum started his career at the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers before joining DHL Western Province in 2002, and swiftly caught the eye with his try-scoring prowess.
He debuted for the DHL Stormers that year, and over the course of five seasons scored 11 tries thanks to his attacking flair and speed.
Joubert's chemistry with De Wet Barry in midfield was the bedrock for the DHL Stormers' backline success during that period. They formed a formidable combination with Joubert's dynamism complementing Barry's abrasive style.
In the early-to-mid 2000s, the 30-capped Joubert and Barry started 18 Tests as a centre pairing for the Springboks, and were part of the national team that won the Tri-Nations in 2004.
Joubert went down in the annals of South African rugby folklore when the talented midfielder scored a hat-trick of tries against the All Blacks in a 2004 Tri-Nations match in Johannesburg, a performance that cemented his status as one of the leading No. 13s in world rugby.
He became only the second Springbok in history (after Ray Mordt in 1981) to achieve the feat that highlighted his knack for being in the right place to exploit even a half-gap with ruthless precision.
Joubert parted ways with the DHL Stormers for the Toyota Cheetahs in 2006, before hanging up his boots at the end of the 2012/13 season after stints with French Top 14 club Clermont Auvergne and the Hollywoodbets Sharks.
He transitioned into coaching post-retirement, serving as backline and skills coach at Hoërskool Durbanville and Stellenberg High School.
For more, see thestormers.com
Photo: Touchline/Getty Images
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