LISTEN: Legendary Springboks physiotherapist Rene Naylor hangs up jersey

Lester Kiewit speaks to Rene Naylor, former physiotherapist for the World Champion Springboks.

Listen below.

Rene Naylor, part of Springboks setup for 17 seasons, is hanging up her jersey as their physiotherapist.

She is probably the most well-known medical staff member of an international rugby team, says Kiewit.

While the Belhar-born physio is not retiring, Naylor will take on different roles and a new career. 

Rugby was always her passion.

Naylor remembers watching a game at the 1995 World Cup, after qualifying professionally as a physiotherapist at the University of the Western Cape (UCW), thinking it would be phenomenal to work closely with rugby teams and players.

It took 10 years of working at club level and for Western Province rugby - and lots of sacrifices - before becoming the Springboks' physiotherapist, notes Naylor.

"For someone from Belhar, it's very special and very exciting because it's not meant for a girl from the Cape Flats to be on the world stage. So, yes, I've got lots of gratitude for that."

- Rene Naylor, Former physiotherapist - Springboks

Naylor was one of the few people allowed on the field during every match.

Her best moment? It's making an 'impact' during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"If you speak about what I feel I am proud of, it's probably impact. I feel I have been a small part of and contributed to the impact the Springboks have had in our beautiful country that's been through so much... The fact that we could create hope. I remember moments from the trophy tour when you just have tears rolling when you see how people have spent hours sitting, just waiting to catch a glimpse of their legends, their heroes and you just realise that you've given people hope. That has been one of the most special moments that I'll probably carry with me and to just have been a small part of it. I'm quite humbled by that."

- Rene Naylor, Former physiotherapist - Springboks

"I feel I'm the luckiest person to be watching the match from the sidelines."

- Rene Naylor, Former physiotherapist - Springboks

Naylor also shared a video on Instagram and reminisced on the moment she became an official Bok member:

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.