Introduction
In 1906, the South African rugby team embarked on their very first overseas tour. It was then that captain Paul Roos came up with the nickname “Springboks”. His reason was simple: he wanted to beat the British press to the punch so they wouldn’t force a silly name on the team. Out of this simple precaution, one of the most recognizable sports emblems in the world was born.
Unique Facts and History
This tour became a true phenomenon. Just four years after the end of the Anglo-Boer War, yesterday’s enemies—Afrikaners and British colonials—put on the exact same green jersey. Rugby managed to do what politicians couldn’t: it started to unite a nation.
An Incredible Triumph: Out of 29 matches played across Great Britain, Ireland, and France, the team won 26.
The Sensation of the Century: The biggest shock was their 11–0 victory over Wales. At the time, the Welsh were considered the invincible titans of rugby.
A Secret Weapon: The South Africans brought a groundbreaking tactical innovation—the “3-4-1” scrum formation. It completely overpowered their opponents and forever changed world rugby.
A Complex Legacy: There was also a dark episode. The team initially refused to play against James Peters, the first Black player to represent England. This troubling incident foreshadowed the coming era of Apartheid.
“Such events don’t just create sports history. They forge symbols capable of changing society and preserving history for generations to come.”
Exclusive to Our Collection
To celebrate the overwhelming success of that very first 1906 tour, a special souvenir medal was issued in Great Britain. Essentially, it was the very first piece of Springboks “merch” in history.
The front features that exact jumping antelope kicking a ball, while the back meticulously lists the engraved names of all 29 touring party members. The medal was deliberately struck in affordable white metal so that any fan could buy it and take a piece of history home.
Today, only a handful of these medals survive in good condition. We are proud to say that one of them is kept in our museum. You can see it in detail here: 1906 Springbok Tour Souvenir Medal.
