A look at the evolution of the Springbok emblem over time from 1906 to present day.

1906-1936

The first Springbok colours were created during the 1906–07  tour of the Northern Hemisphere when captain Paul Roos decided that the team needed to create their own emblem and nickname to prevent the British press creating one for them.

1937-1962

1963-1964

The South African Rugby Board (SARB) first copyrighted the Springbok emblem in 1963. It was also the first introduction of the rugby ball.

1965-1991

1992-1996

The Protea flower is introduced to the emblem.

1996-2003

The Springbok faces right from 1996 onwards.

 

2003-2008

The rugby ball is removed and the word ‘Springbok’ is added to a modernised emblem.

2009-Present

In 2008 the government votes to replace the Springbok with the Protea as the official emblem of South African rugby. Since 2009 the Protea emblem occupies on the left side of the South African jersey and the Springbok is on the right (or sleeve).