Bottom Line Up Front: Sazi Sandi is an emerging South African rugby talent who has developed from a standout schoolboy player into a reliable professional prop for the Stormers and Western Province, benefiting from mentorship by experienced veterans while establishing himself as a key squad member.
Personal Details and Physical Profile
Sazi Sandi was born on August 11, 1998, making him 26 years old as of 2025. Born in East London, South Africa, Sandi stands at 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall and weighs 125 kilograms (276 pounds). His robust physical frame makes him perfectly suited for his position as a tighthead prop, where strength and power are essential attributes.
Educational Foundation and Early Development
Sandi attended St Andrews College in Grahamstown (now Makhanda) in the Eastern Cape, an institution renowned for producing talented rugby players. During his time at St Andrews, he played 36 matches for the College 1st XV, making his debut while on tour in Argentina as a Grade 10 student in 2014. His leadership qualities emerged early, as he was elected captain of the 1st XV for 2016 and scored 9 tries during his school career.
Representative Rugby Achievements
Sandi’s talent was recognized at provincial level when he represented Eastern Province in 2014 at the Grant Khomo Week. His consistent performances earned him further representative honors, including selection for the Eastern Province Merit Team in 2015, where he played in the Craven Week final. The following year, he was selected as vice-captain of the Eastern Province Country Districts team at Craven Week.
His progression through South African rugby’s development pathways continued when he represented both SA Schools and the Junior Springboks. A significant milestone came in April 2018 when Sandi was appointed captain of the Junior Springboks for their warm-up match against Georgia, demonstrating the high regard in which he was held by national selectors.
Professional Career Development
Both Sandi and fellow prop Leon Lyons attended the Western Province Rugby Institute straight after school before representing the Junior Springboks in 2018. He was named in the Stormers squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season and made his debut in Round 6 of Super Rugby Unlocked against the Cheetahs.
Throughout his career, Sandi has predominantly represented Western Province, earning 18 appearances for the team, before progressing to the Stormers where his performances have steadily improved under professional guidance.
Current Role and Mentorship
Currently playing as a tighthead prop for the Stormers, Sandi has benefited significantly from working alongside experienced veterans. He credits Springbok legend Frans Malherbe, along with Neethling Fouché and Brok Harris, for accelerating his development. Speaking about their influence, Sandi explained: “After a scrum session, there are times when you don’t know what you’re feeling. They’ll lend an ear and chat with me, and whatever I’m feeling, they’ll know exactly what it is”.
Playing Style and Future Prospects
As a prop, Sandi brings strength, power, and stability to the scrum. His size and technique make him a valuable asset in set pieces and in the loose. His commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his approach to learning from senior teammates and coaches.
In March 2021, Sandi signed a contract extension with Western Province Professional Rugby, indicating the franchise’s confidence in his potential. Stormers Head Coach John Dobson has praised the depth that players like Sandi bring to the squad, emphasizing their importance to the team’s future success.
Conclusion: Sazi Sandi represents the successful development of South African rugby talent from schoolboy level to professional rugby. His journey from St Andrews College captain to Stormers squad member demonstrates both his natural ability and dedication to improvement. With continued mentorship from experienced professionals and his own commitment to excellence, Sandi is well-positioned to establish himself as a cornerstone of South African rugby’s front-row stocks for years to come.
