UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with ... FRANCOIS STEYN
PREETI VIRDEE 09/01/07

The gorgeous, spectacular and perfectly charming Francois Steyn gave RFTG an exclusive interview and refreshing insight into the world of a very young rugby stud, who has already wowed the critics with his debut for the Springboks in 2006 during the Autumn Internationals. In December 2006, the unassuming Frans was awarded Man of the Match for the 7 - 32 South African drubbing of the World XV captained by the legendary Lawrence Dallaglio. His professional career only began less than a year before he got his national call up, and his first three appearances were testament to him becoming a permanent and formidable presence in the South African squad’s future...and with regard to his future with RFTG...Men In Shorts? We have a guaranteed date in the diary for an exclusive photoshoot when Frans is next in the UK.

Ireland was your first test with the Springboks. How was it?
It was really amazing. And a huge honour. I never thought it would happen so quickly. But the Lord blessed me. So much has happened this year.

You scored your first try on your debut. How did that feel?
I didn’t know what to do! I was VERY happy after the match when I realised what I did.

So did you party after?
I was rooming with Andre Pretorius. We went out.
He’s my hero so to room with him is cool. It’s very strange.

Why do you love Rugby?
It’s fun. I was born with a rugby ball in my hand

Do you see yourself as a celebrity?
No. [Rugby] learns you about life

Do you have a big female fan-base that you know of?
No

Why do you think girls love rugby players?
Because they are sexy and well built

How long and how often do you train?
Gym in the morning then the afternoon on the field

Do you have a match ritual?
No

Do you use male beauty products?
No

What's your favourite food?
BBQ

How do to get rid of nerves before a match?
I don’t really get them

Where do you call home?
 Bethlehem - Freestate

Did you ever play football (soccer)?
Only for fun

What is your club nickname?
I don’t have one. I didn’t do something stupid yet!

Words most commonly used to describe you?
Friendly and easy-going

Are you superstitious?
No

Which words inspired you most?
“You haven’t done anything until you’ve given everything”

What’s your favourite music?
Everything but not heavy metal

What's your star sign?
Taurus

What is your favourite city?
I haven’t gone to many…Durban…it’s the sea

What is your greatest talent?
I don’t know

What’s your favourite car?
Maserati

Who’s the sexiest woman ever?
Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock

What’s the most important thing in life?
Try and stay as down to earth as possible

What’s your favourite word in the English language?
Love

Who is your favourite author?
I don’t like reading

Who is your favourite celebrity?
Hmmm…I’ll come back to that

Where would your ideal holiday be?
Venice

What is your favourite TV programme?
Smallville and CSI

Worst thing about living now?
Everything is too expensive

Do you want children?
Yes

Who influenced you most?
My Dad

What motivates you?
Anything positive; anything and anyone positive can drive me

What is your ultimate fantasy?
To own an island, somewhere where no one can see

If not a rugby player. what would you be?
Architect

Are there any other professional rugby players in your family?
No

How would you like to be remembered?
As a guy who always laughed, always had a smile on his face

QUICK FIRE:

Comedy or action? Both

Sean Connery or Roger Moore? Sean Connery

Books or films? Films

Beer or spirits?  Cider 

Fast food or healthy eating? Fast food

Kylie or Britney? Britney

The Simpsons or South Park? Neither

Night in  or night out? Both

Kate Moss or Jordan? Jordan

McDonald’s or Burger King? Burger King

Bon Jovi or U2? U2

The Godfather or Shawshank Redemption?  The Godfather

Lager or Bitter? Lager

Beyoncé or J-Lo? J-Lo

Blonde or Brunette? Both

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Lord of the Rings

FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…

School Sports

Politics Nothing

Religion Christian

Sex Male

Marriage I don’t know

Reality TV Not a great fan

George W Bush Don’t know anything about him

Martin Johnson Respected rugby player

Francois Pienaar Hero

David Campese Good coach

FACTS: