Leeds Career

Braam was the biggest signing ever to be made by Leeds Tykes when he turned his back on the Springboks to come to Headingley in December 2001. He made his Tykes debut During the 2001-02 season against Harlequins and in that first game scored 2 conversions and 3 penalties. He played a further 14 games that year and was the sides top points scorer with 132, despite joining the club mid season. The 2002-03 season was one of the Tykes most successful seasons - with them finishing in fifth position and securing a Heineken Cup spot, and much of this was down to the consistence of Braam's kicking. He was an ever present in the league and scored in every game he played in, meaning he once again finished as the club's highest points scorer with that seasons tally at 252. Braam left the Tykes at the end of that season after scoring 440 points for the club in all competitions which makes him one of the all time best for the club. He still holds the joint record for the number of penalties converted in one match - nine against London Irish at Headingley in 2002-03.

Rugby Career

Braam is one of the most renowned players in South Africa having stared for the Springboks on 21 occasions since making his debut against Italy in June 1999. He was part of the 1999 World Cup squad and the past three Tri Nations series. His final game for the Springboks was against England at Twickenham in 2001 although he did appear for the Barbarians a fortnight later against Australia at the Millennium Stadium. In total Braam made 21 appearances for the Springboks scoring 221 Test Points with 2 tries, 55 penalties and 23 conversions. His professional career started with his home town club in Pretoria for the Blue Bulls (1995-1996) before moving down the coast to Cape Town and joining Western Province and the Stormers. Whilst with Western Province he won back to back Currie Cups scoring 24 of the Province's 29 points in the 2001 final. When he left Leeds he joined Sale Sharks but a knee injury meant that his time was short lived and he returned to South Africa to play with Kimberley based Griquas.

Personal Details

Braam's full name is Abraham Johannes Jacobus Van Straaten, at university he studied to be a teacher and he enjoys fishing in his spare time.