Andre Joubert left the field alongside the team doctor Frans Ferster after sustaining an arm fracture during the match against Samoa in the 1995 World Cup quarter-final.
Damian Willemse's impressive game against England at Ellis Park on July 4th reminded the author of the outstanding fullbacks from South Africa, among whom Andre Joubert stands out. His performance in the 1995 World Cup final was particularly noteworthy because he should have been in the hospital.
Joubert shared humble words about his condition after miraculously playing in the semi-final and final of '95 with three fractures in his left arm: 'Sometimes I could feel the bones moving, but the pain was minimal.'
The South African national team coach, Keith Christie, highly praised his modest fullback, calling him 'inhuman' and expressing disbelief at such bravery. Seven days before the semi-final against France, the team played in the quarter-final against Samoa. In the tenth minute of the game, Joubert bypassed winger George Harder, who, in a fit of frustration, punched Joubert's left arm.
Although the severity of the injury was later determined, Joubert continued playing despite the bandage, but ten minutes later, he was tackled hard by fullback Mike Umaga. After this, he left the field. That night at 11 p.m., Joubert underwent surgery to repair his broken arm. Typically, such an injury requires seven weeks of recovery, but South Africa needed Joubert back on the field within a week, as at 31, he was at the peak of his career and vital to the team's ambitions.
To speed up recovery and give Joubert a chance to play against France, doctors offered him sessions in a decompression chamber simulating deep underwater conditions. Wearing an oxygen mask, he underwent two-hour thirty-minute sessions (he completed three in a week). His teammate Mark Andrews attended two such sessions with him. They were both able to converse, albeit in amusing high tones, which helped cope with intense boredom.
Joubert recalled: 'We sat in that steel cylinder while the pressure was reduced, which helped reduce the swelling. It would have been a trial if it weren't for my encyclopedic friend, Mark, who entertained me. He talked, and I listened.'
The treatment paid off, and when a special rubber cuff was delivered from Ireland, Joubert was ready, as reasonably expected. After completing treatment in the hyperbaric chamber, Joubert held a press conference. SARU CEO Edward Griffiths recounted this amusing story: 'Smiling Joubert told reporters that he was equivalent to a depth of 14 meters underwater, but saw no fish (Joubert is an avid fisherman). Two Japanese rugby writers diligently recorded this marine observation in their notebooks.'
In the semi-final, Joubert's arm was checked repeatedly when the French lifted the ball in the air on that rainy day. He managed without complications and was fully ready for the final. Later that year, Joubert received his famous nickname, and the fitting place for it was the home rugby stadium in Twickenham. England was still recovering from its early exit from the World Cup in South Africa and sought to prove its mastery against the world champions. But on that cool autumn day, they could not withstand the team inspired by Joubert, who was in a class of his own.
He embodied elegance, gliding through the English defense. He was perfectly balanced under high ball and never lost his composure. When South Africa achieved a convincing victory over the hosts, and Joubert received the 'Man of the Match' award, England's coach Jack Rowell acknowledged his merits: 'Andre Joubert is the Rolls-Royce of fullbacks.'
It might take an Englishman to come up with a name that has stood the test of time, like these superbly crafted cars, but in South African rugby, there will always be only one Rolls-Royce. It seemed almost illogical that the South African national team's fullback would receive a name synonymous with exquisite classicism, given the reputation of South African rugby, which is far from delicate.
The author agrees with Andy Colkhoun's explanation. In his book 'The Chosen', he wrote: 'Joubert possessed incomparable elegance, which was a magnet for superb descriptions, but Rowell captured it best. At a time when the South African national teams admired and feared their power and virtues of resilience and tenacity, Joubert was an artist who added a golden hue to the green.'
In 1996, the 'All Whites' returned to South Africa and avenged their World Cup final defeat by winning the series in South Africa for the first time. Joubert faced a hamstring issue during this series, and it only recovered by the third match at Ellis Park, where he scored a magnificent try in the South African victory.
The 'All Whites' coach John Hart stated: 'He is a sensational player. Any coach would want him.'
Later that same year, Joubert once again demonstrated a masterclass before a packed crowd at Ellis Park. This time he played in the black and white jersey of the Natal Sharks, and the Transvaal were his opponents in the Currie Cup final. Joubert was brilliant in this final, radiating dignity, class, and elegance in his team's 33-15 victory. The final word on Andre Joubert belongs to a man forged from the same fine material, Marnu du Plessis. The South African national team legend said: 'Of all the South African teams I knew, Andre Joubert stands out as a person of absolute quality.'
The sports economy of KwaZulu-Natal will receive an additional boost thanks to the continued growth of boxing, as another wrestling event is scheduled for Durban on August 1st.
Fans and wrestlers from other regions of KwaZulu-Natal are expected to gather in Durban. World Wrestling Alliance (WWA), led by wrestler Daryl Naidu from Chatsworth, Durban, known in the ring as Nightmare, previously held two successful shows this year at Oceans Mall in Umhlanga and Kwadukuza Mall.
Naidu noted that WWA continues to develop strongly. He emphasized that the large turnout of spectators from across KwaZulu-Natal created an 'electric atmosphere' and proved that professional wrestling is thriving again. This huge fan response inspired WWA to elevate the level of the Hotel Savera Wrestle Rampage event, which will take place on August 1st.
Naidu also announced that the event will feature more than just wrestling. Attendees will have the chance to win cash prizes and participate in various giveaways made possible by partnerships with Nasty ENRG Drink, BYD Pinetown, Pelican Pharmacy, and other valuable sponsors. Spectators are advised to arrive early to take part in the activities and promotions running throughout the day.
Furthermore, the WWA Celebrity/Influencer Championship League will officially launch at the event. This innovative concept will invite celebrities, social media personalities, content creators, and influencers to step into the ring and compete for a title in various challenges. To mark the launch, WWA has commissioned a special, exclusive WWA Celebrity/Influencer Championship Belt, which will be the main prize in this new segment.
Naidu believes that this innovative league will provide exciting cross-entertainment events, introduce a new audience to professional wrestling, and give fans the chance to see 'dream matches' between South Africa's most recognizable figures.
He added that due to increased attendance, expanded corporate partnerships, and the introduction of new entertainment formats, World Wrestling Alliance is strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing professional wrestling promotions in South Africa. Hotel Savera Wrestle Rampage promises to be an unforgettable world-class evening of family entertainment, educational opportunity, thrilling giveaways, and the launch of a new championship capable of changing the face of sports entertainment in South Africa.
The main event of the night will be the match between Nightmare and his former student, Joshua The Bull. Naidu described this as one of the most personal rivalries in WWA history. Their conflict arose over the opportunity to compete for the tag team championship in Port Elizabeth. During this match, Joshua The Bull 'accidentally' delivered a devastating spear strike to his own partner, costing them the titles. Naidu was extremely upset after this shocking incident and did not believe it was accidental. He suspects the spear strike was far from accidental, given that they had not communicated for years before reluctantly teaming up. Fans can expect an explosive confrontation as they finally settle their differences in the ring.
Naidu concluded that for wrestling enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a packed Saturday day and evening, Hotel Savera Wrestle Rampage will be one of the most anticipated events of the year. The full card includes five exciting matches: Ryan Cage versus Alex Desire, The Great William versus The Crow, Shadow versus Steve Eden, Ananzi versus T.J. Tremor, and the final match between Joshua The Bull versus Nightmare.
A team of young chess players from Uzbekistan is successfully participating in the international tournament 'WTT Youth Contender Almaty 2026', which is being held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
As part of this prestigious tournament, representatives of the Uzbekistan national team won two bronze medals in individual matches.
In particular, Khurshid Akhmedov and Diyorbek Dilshodov competed in their respective age categories with high spirits and became bronze medalists.
Additionally, a pair from Uzbekistan, consisting of Asel Erkebayeva, and Priyanuj Bhattacharya from India won a bronze medal in mixed pair matches in the U19 age category.
The competition will continue until July 27.
The 'MB Chess Stars' children's chess tournament is taking place in the capital in cooperation with the Uzbekistan Chess Federation.
This competitive tournament is organized with the aim of developing children's chess, popularizing intellectual sports among the younger generation, and supporting talented chess players.
Currently, 64 young chess players are participating in the tournament. The tournament is held in a rapid format, with a time control of 10 minutes set for each game.
Because the matches are supervised by the judging panel of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation in accordance with international rules, the young chess players feel as if they are participating in prestigious competitions.
