Leeds Career

When Andre Snyman first joined the Tykes in 2003, he was one of the highest profile players to ever sign for the club, and during his two spells at Headingley Carnegie the South African did not disappoint, entertaining the crowd with some outstanding performances that made him a crowd favourite and club legend.
Andre made his debut for the Tykes at Northampton on the day England won the World Cup and he was an ever present for the next 17 games. The following season Andre played a key part in the team's Cup success and Premiership survival. He scored 8 tries in his 27 appearances and three of these came at crucial times. The first came in the Powergen Cup Final, when he stormed 80 metres after intercepting with time running out in the first half. The next two tries came in the must win game against NEC Harlequins and his two touchdowns proved vital in helping the team hold on to their Premiership status. In the 2005-06 season he was an almost ever present for the team in the league, making 20 appearances and scoring four tries, but the season was to end disappointingly with the team relegated from the top flight. Andre left the Tykes at the end of that season to return home to South Africa, after being offered a six month contract with the South African Rugby Football Union, with the aim of gaining a place in the 2007 World Cup squad. However, after just two Tests he missed out on selection for the Tri Nations and joined French club Perpignan. His time in France though was only to be brief and he left during his first season for personal reasons and returned to the Tykes to help with their mission to regain their Premiership status. His comeback came against fellow title hopefuls Rotherham, which the Tykes ultimately lost, however the team were able to bounce back in impressive fashion and went onto a ten match winning run that culminated with the side clinching the title and their place back in elite rugby. The end of the season saw Andre announce his retirement and his decision to leave the club, having been part of the promotion winning success, was a more deserving end for the loyal servant of the club.

Rugby Career

Andre Snyman is the most capped centre of all time for South Africa. His rugby career began at Northern Transvaal where he gained the first of his 36 caps for South Africa in Durban against New Zealand on 17th August 1996 at Durban. Snyman was just 22 years-old however the then World Champions Springboks narrowly lost 23-19. He played in all three Tests against the Lions in 1997 and gained revenge against England later that year at Twickenham when he scored one of the great test tries for South Africa. The following year he moved to Natal Sharks where he formed a brutal combination with Trevor Halstead in the midfield. Snyman is a very impressive centre who prior to a horrific injury run was making great strides. In scoring a try against the All Blacks, he broke his ankle and when he returned, his first major game back, he broke the other ankle. Consequently he was out of the game for 18 months. He made his debut in the Currie Cup for the Sharks in 2001 and went onto make 35 Super 12 appearances for the Durban based side. He also has represented South Africa at Under-21 and Under-23 level.

Personal Details

Snyman is also a keen golfer, where he plays to an eight handicap. His favourite film is Gladiator and his sporting heroes are Michael Jordon and Lance Armstrong. Andre credits his family as being the greatest influence on his career.