From Blitzboks to Cobras: High-Profile South Africans Join São Paulo Squad

South African rugby talent is strengthening Brazil’s Cobras São Paulo franchise ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Americas season. On 11 February, Consul General Ms Tinyiko Kumalo welcomed Mr Beukes Cremer, a South African-born former rugby player who represented Brazil internationally as a scrum-half and now serves as commercial manager for Cobras Rugby São Paulo, at the South African Mission in São Paulo.

Cremer introduced six South African players he facilitated signing with the club: Rosko Specman, a former Blitzbok and Olympic medalist (wing/fullback), hailed as the most high-profile South African in Brazilian rugby; Tasriq Mynhardt (wing/outside back); Zinedine Booysen (scrum-half); Ashwin Cox (scrum-half); Kegan Smit (hooker); and Mogomotsi Mokunyane (lock).

These signings, part of a broader South African contingent, aim to boost Cobras’ competitiveness through experience, speed, forward strength, and game management. The meeting highlights growing rugby ties between South Africa and Brazil.