Former Springboks captain is barely recognisable after completely changing his life
Rugby NewsThursday, 10 September 2026 at 06:27
Former Springboks captain Joe van Niekerk walked away from rugby more than a decade ago – and his life today could hardly be more different.
The powerful back-rower was once one of South Africa's most recognisable players, winning 52 Test caps for the Springboks between 2001 and 2010.
Van Niekerk represented the Lions and Stormers before heading to France, where he became a hugely popular figure with Toulon and captained the club during its rise into a European powerhouse.
But following his retirement from professional rugby in 2014, Van Niekerk decided to leave that world behind.
From Springbok captain to 'Jungle Joe'
Rather than moving into coaching or punditry, Van Niekerk headed for Costa Rica and embarked on a remarkable new chapter.
The former Springbok established Rama Organica, an organic farm and retreat on the Caribbean coast, embracing a lifestyle centred around nature, sustainability, meditation and yoga.
His transformation has even seen the former Test star become known as “Jungle Joe.”
Speaking to SABC Sport about his journey after rugby, Van Niekerk discussed how dramatically his outlook on life changed once his playing days came to an end.
Life after rugby
It's an extraordinary transformation for somebody who spent more than a decade operating at the highest level of the sport.
Van Niekerk made his Springbok debut aged just 21 and would eventually captain South Africa, while also establishing himself as one of the most explosive back-row forwards of his generation.
His club career later took him to Toulon, where he became a fan favourite and helped lay the foundations for the French club's period of European dominance.
While plenty of former internationals remain closely connected to rugby after retirement, Van Niekerk chose an altogether different route.
More than a decade after hanging up his boots, the former Springboks captain has swapped packed stadiums and Test rugby for a dramatically different existence in the Costa Rican jungle.
5 rugby stars who chose completely different lives
1. Richie McCaw – Helicopter pilot
After retiring as one of the greatest players in rugby history, Richie McCaw became a commercial helicopter pilot in New Zealand. The former All Blacks captain has even flown rescue and reconnaissance missions, including following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.
2. Tom Wood – Woodworker and tree surgeon
Former England flanker Tom Wood has gone from tackling Test stars to working with timber. The 53-cap international qualified in tree surgery and co-founded Waller and Wood Woodworks alongside former Northampton teammate Alex Waller, producing bespoke furniture.
3. Dan Crowley – Undercover police officer
Two-time World Cup-winning Wallabies prop Dan Crowley took perhaps the most dramatic route of all. After rugby, he worked as an undercover police officer in Queensland, including operations targeting drug crime on Australia's Gold Coast.
4. Jack McGrath – Beekeeper
Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions prop Jack McGrath swapped scrums for swarms after rugby, moving into beekeeping following the end of his professional career.
5. Olly Kohn – Sausage maker
Former Wales and Harlequins lock Olly Kohn turned an unusual hobby into a successful second career. After retiring through injury, he joined his brothers in building The Jolly Hog, having originally experimented with making sausages at home.
Rugby Quiz: Can you name the past 25 Springboks captains?
How well do you know the Springboks? South Africa have had some legendary leaders over the years, with some of the game's biggest names taking on the responsibility of captaining the current world champions.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
But how many of their last 25 captains can you remember? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can name every player to have led the Springboks in their most recent appearances.
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