Bottom Line: Jan Serfontein, the 32-year-old former Springbok centre, has returned to the Bulls after eight successful years with Montpellier, signing a three-year deal that brings him back to where his professional career began.
Player Profile & Physical Stats
Jan Lodewyk Serfontein was born on April 15, 1993, making him 32 years old and one of rugby’s more experienced centres. Standing at 1.87 meters tall (6 ft 2 in) and weighing 97 kg (15 st 3.85 lb), Serfontein possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern centre. Nicknamed ‘Rocky’ by his teammates throughout his rugby career, this moniker perfectly captures his resilient playing style and determination on the field.
Rugby Journey: From Grey College to International Stardom
Serfontein’s rugby journey began at the prestigious Grey College in Bloemfontein, known for producing some of South Africa’s finest rugby talent. His versatility as “an outside centre by trade, inside centre by skill” made him a valuable asset from early in his career.
The young centre’s talent was quickly recognized at international level. He was included in the squad for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship but was later withdrawn to make him available for the senior national team. This decision proved prescient as Serfontein made his test debut for the Springboks off the bench against Italy in Durban in 2013.
Springbok Career Achievements
Serfontein’s international career was both successful and impressive. He played 35 Tests for the Springboks between 2013 and 2017 and ended on the winning side in 24 of those Tests for an impressive 71% win-ratio. His consistency and reliability made him a key figure in the Springbok backline during this period, with his last Test cap coming against New Zealand in 2017.
Professional Club Career
The Bulls Era (2012-2017)
Serfontein earned 48 caps for the Bulls, scoring 15 tries from 45 starts during his initial stint with the Pretoria-based franchise. He made 60 appearances for the Bulls during his time at the union scoring 17 tries in Super Rugby before making the decision to pursue opportunities in European rugby.
Montpellier Success (2017-2025)
In 2017, Serfontein signed with TOP14 outfit Montpellier, beginning what would become a highly successful eight-year chapter in his career. He made over 147 appearances for Montpellier since joining them from the Bulls in 2017.
His impact at Montpellier was immediate and sustained. He quickly became a key figure in the Montpellier line up in his first two seasons with the club and featured 29 times (25 in the starting line up) for the club during the 2018/19 season scoring six tries. His performances were so impressive that in June 2019, the Springbok centre extended his contract for three additional seasons, until 2023.
The pinnacle of Serfontein’s Montpellier career came when he established himself as one of Montpellier’s key players and made a major contribution to the club’s first French Top 14 title in 2022. He helped the side win their maiden Top 14 title as well as the Challenge Cup during that time, cementing his legacy at the French club.
Return to the Bulls
After much speculation and near-misses in previous transfer windows, the Bulls officially confirmed the arrival of the former Springbok centre in July 2025, as he joins Handre Pollard in returning to Loftus Versveld ahead of the 2025/26 season. He has signed a three-year deal with the Bulls, ensuring his experience will benefit the franchise for years to come.
The signing represents a homecoming for Serfontein, who has been vocal about his desire to return to South African rugby. “If you play in South Africa, you are seen more. The French Top 14 is not broadcast in South Africa. If I can play in South Africa, I would like to be eligible for the Boks again,” he told local media, highlighting his ambition to add to his international caps.
Current Team & Season Outlook
With his return to the Bulls confirmed for the 2025/26 season, Serfontein joins a franchise in transition following the departure of long-time coach Jake White. With Handre Pollard also back, the Bulls are now set to field a familiar 10/12 pairing, potentially recreating the successful combination that served both players and the team well in their previous stint together.
Career Legacy
At 32, Serfontein brings a wealth of experience from both international rugby and one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His journey from a promising Grey College graduate to a Top 14 champion and back to his roots at the Bulls represents the arc of a player who has maximized his potential across different rugby cultures and competitions.
His return to South African rugby not only strengthens the Bulls’ backline but also brings invaluable European experience to younger players coming through the system. As he begins this new chapter, Serfontein’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring rugby players about the rewards of perseverance, adaptability, and never forgetting where you came from.
