De Jongh enjoying life after playing rugby
After almost two decades as a professional rugby player, Juan de Jongh has more than enough knowledge, experiences, and stories to share. It is no wonder that coaching and podcasting are the fruits of his retirement.
De Jongh and fellow Springbok Rudy Paige are the brain trust behind the popular “Behind the Ruck” podcast.
“We were talking on the golf course about the possibility of a podcast. Rudy had already stopped playing, and I was very close to retirement. We wanted to start something where we could share stories. We have much to tell about life on and off the rugby field. We wanted to educate youngsters about the challenges. We wanted to give people access to what goes on behind the scenes,” says De Jongh.
For De Jongh, doing the podcast with Paige is an enjoyable experience.
“I had a wonderful career over 16 years. Looking back, there’s nothing I regret. I’ve never had a major injury that threatened my career; I’ve been a double Springbok (15s and 7s), I’ve been to the Olympics, and there have been Currie Cup and VRC victories.
“I’ve achieved goals. I know I gave my best every day of every season,” says De Jongh, who played 102 games for the Stormers and 83 for Western Province.
De Jongh played 19 tests for the Springboks and was in action in 64 games for the English club Wasps.
De Jongh was part of the first victorious Varsity Cup team in 2008. After playing in the tournament, he was also the first player to earn his Springbok jersey.
Apart from the podcast, De Jongh now coaches at the Stellenbosch Academy for Sport’s international rugby institute and is also the coach of the Boland u21 team.
“I spent my last season with WP as a player-coach. It was a special experience. I love coaching. I love the idea of helping youngsters realise their dreams. I focus on the group’s attacking game at SAS Rugby. Here, I spend time with 54 players from all over the world, helping each of them to be the best rugby player they can possibly be.
“Other good and experienced coaches also surround me. It is nice to be part of such a special group.”
In his first season as coach of the young Boland players, they won the First League. “It was a special experience. I learned so much. I am looking forward to the coming season.”
For De Jongh, enjoying his life to the fullest is important.
“I am grateful that I could end my career on my terms. It was very important to me. There is a sense of purpose in my life. Spending more time with my family is important and means a lot to me. Life after rugby has challenges, but I look forward to everything still coming for me.”