Quan Horn, Boan Venter, Jasper Wiese, and Cobus Wiese are flying the flag high for their home province on the international stage.
Quan Horn – Fullback and son of former Griquas winger Ian Horn, Quan attended De Aar High School up until Grade 9, when he transferred to Paarl Boys’ High. Quan also represented and vice captained Griquas at the U/12 and U/13 Craven Weeks in 2013 and 2014 respectively. He was also chosen for the U/15 and U/16 Griquas teams in his grade 9 year. He went on to represent WP in the Grant Khomo Week, as well as Craven Week, SA Schools and also represented SA U/20 two years later.
Quan Horn’s cousin, Boan Venter, born in Kimberley, began his rugby journey at Staats Primary and continued to excel at Hoërskool De Aar. With strong roots in local rugby, Boan follows in the footsteps of his father, De Waal Venter and Uncle Ian Horn, who also wore the Griquas jersey — making Boan’s rise to the Springboks a story of legacy and local pride. Boan captained the Griquas team at the Craven Week tournament during his school years, playing at loosehead prop and standing out with his power in the scrum. His leadership and performance earned him a spot in the SA Schools team for the 2015 Under-18 International Series.
Jasper Wiese, born and raised in Upington, developed into a powerhouse loose forward through hard work and perseverance. He had a standout schoolboy rugby career, representing Griqualand West Country Districts from 2011 to 2013 at several prestigious youth tournaments: the 2011 Under‑16 Grant Khomo Week, 2012 U‑18 Craven Week, and 2013 U‑18 Craven Week.
Cobus Wiese, Jasper’s younger brother, shares a similar path. Also born in Upington and a product of Hoërskool Upington, Cobus has carved out his own space in the game as a skilled and hard-hitting forward. He progressed from Griquas U16 Grant Khomo Week in 2013 to U18 Craven Week in 2014 and 2015, delivering standout performances and earning consecutive call-ups to SA Schools in both years.
Willie le Roux, who earned his 100th test cap this past weekend, is another shining example of Northern Cape excellence. Willie was playing for Griquas when he first caught national attention, proving once again that Griquas Rugby Union provides a vital platform for players to develop, shine, and take their careers to the highest level. His journey to the century mark is a proud moment for both the province and the Union.
These players are not only ambassadors for South African rugby, but also living proof that the Northern Cape continues to produce elite-level talent — grounded in grit, heritage, and community.
