Newskoop Front Row Rugby

Nerves Of Steel: Louis Koen's Springbok Story

Loading player...
Louis Koen was one of the most accurate goalkickers in South African rugby in the late 90s but he had to wait until 2000 for his first Springbok Test cap. And then after just one appearance he was out of the picture for nearly 18 months before another short stint. Finally in 2003 he was given his due and played in most of the Tests as South Africa prepared for the World Cup and then took on the world in Australia later that year with Louis as the Springbok 10. Koen was a solid and reliable performer with a deadly accurate boot. In this candid discussion he discusses the highs and lows of his Bok career. From his nerves-of-steel last minute winning penalty against Argentina to the disappointment of a World Cup quarter-final exit, and everything in between, Louis shares it all here in this exclusive Front Row Rugby interview.
22 Jul 2024 English South Africa Rugby · Sports

Other recent episodes

Does Tony Brown's Exit Cause Chaos For The Springboks?

New Zealand Rugby has dropped an absolute bombshell, announcing that Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will be returning home to join the All Blacks on a two-year contract. The catch? The announcement comes more than 18 months before his contract with SARU even expires, right before the 2026 international season…
9 Jun 12 min

Why Rugby Is Now Becoming The Most Popular Sport In South Africa

For decades, mainstream sports media has told us that football holds an unbeatable crown as the nation's favourite game, with rugby relegated to a distant second or third place. But a massive new data shift completely challenges that narrative. In this episode of Front Row Rugby, host Peter Stemmet pulls…
8 Jun 7 min

Why Jake White Is Dead Wrong About The Springboks

Jake White says the Springboks should be forced to play for a South African franchise if they want to wear the green and gold. Today, you get a front row seat into exactly what the World Cup-winning coach said—and I’ll tell you exactly why he is wrong. This podcast originates…
4 Jun 12 min

Could Rassie Erasmus Become SA Sports Minister?

Dr Rassie Erasmus OIG was recently awarded the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Gold by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Naturally, the comments section lit up with South Africans demanding one thing: Make Doc the Minister of Sport! But would Rassie actually be effective in parliament, or would the political machine completely…
1 Jun 7 min

Lazy Nienaber Blame Exposes Irish Rugby Media

Leinster lose the Champions Cup final to Bordeaux, and apparently, it’s all Jacques Nienaber’s fault. Today, we are taking a front-row seat into the latest blame game and total lack of accountability coming out of the Emerald Isle. Following a post-mortem article by Rúaidhrí O’Connor in the Irish Independent, the…
28 May 10 min
All episodes