In the world of South African rugby, few stories are as compelling as that of Aphiwe Odwa Dyantyi. The talented winger’s journey from rejection at school level to becoming World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2018 reads like a script from an underdog sports movie. Today, as he continues his career with the Bulls, Dyantyi represents both the triumph of perseverance and the complex realities of professional rugby.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 26, 1994, in the small Eastern Cape town of Ngcobo, Dyantyi’s rugby journey began with promise but faced early setbacks. He represented the Border Bulldogs as a fly-half at the 2007 Under-13 Craven Week tournament, showing early talent that would later flourish under different circumstances.
However, his high school years at Dale College proved challenging. Dyantyi missed out on provincial selection at high school level and did not even play for the Dale College Boys’ High School first XV after being deemed too small. This rejection could have ended his rugby dreams, but it would prove to be just the beginning of an extraordinary comeback story.
University Revival and Position Change
After school, Dyantyi gave up on the sport and decided to pursue other interests such as his studies at the University of Johannesburg where he got a degree in Marketing. It was during his university years that fate intervened. During his first year at Varsity, Dyantyi represented the University football side before being convinced to help his Koshuis rugby side out by playing a few games.
The crucial turning point came when his university coach convinced him to switch from fly-half to wing. This positional change would prove to be the key that unlocked his incredible potential. His form with the side led him to being called into the Young Gun side and then the UJ senior squad in Varsity Cup.
Professional Breakthrough
Dyantyi’s performances in the Varsity Cup caught the attention of professional scouts. His 2017 season in the competition saw him spend most of the season at outside centre and earned a contract with the Lions. He made his Currie Cup debut for the Golden Lions later that year, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The 2018 Super Rugby season marked his arrival on the international stage. He made his Super Rugby debut, on the wing, in the Lions opening Super Rugby match of the 2018 season against the Sharks and scored a fantastic try in the match. His electrifying pace and finishing ability saw him score seven tries in the competition, helping the Lions reach the final.
International Recognition
Dyantyi’s club form earned him a call-up to the Springbok squad for the 2018 June internationals. He started and scored a try in their 42–39 victory in the first test against England. His international career continued to flourish throughout 2018, as he scored crucial tries in the Rugby Championship, including two tries in his first start in this competition, a 34–21 victory over Argentina in Durban.
The pinnacle of his breakthrough year came in November 2018 when Dyantyi was named the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco, after a season that saw him score six tries in thirteen appearances for the South Africa national team. He became the first South African to win this prestigious award.
The Setback and Return
However, Dyantyi’s meteoric rise was interrupted in 2019 when he tested positively for metandienone, methyltestosterone and LGD-4033, which are all on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substances list. This resulted in a four-year ban from all rugby, effectively sidelining him during what should have been his prime years.
The ban ended in August 2023, and he had signed with the Sharks and would begin training with them ahead of his ban ending. After serving his suspension, Dyantyi was determined to rebuild his career and reputation.
Current Team and Future
In 2024, Dyantyi made another significant move in his career comeback. Aphiwe Dyantyi has penned a two-year deal with the Vodacom Bulls which will see the speedster turn up for the herd until June 2026. Speaking about the move, the player expressed his gratitude: “This feels like a second opportunity,” says the 29-year-old.
Now 30 years old, standing at 1.82 m tall (6 ft 0 in) and weighing in at 90 kg, Dyantyi continues to play as a winger for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. His experience, pace, and determination make him a valuable asset as he seeks to reclaim his place among South Africa’s rugby elite.
Dyantyi’s story is one of resilience, second chances, and the power of never giving up on one’s dreams. From being told he was too small for his school’s first team to becoming world rugby’s breakthrough player, and then facing adversity before mounting a comeback, his journey continues to inspire rugby fans across South Africa and beyond.
