Courtnall Douglas Skosan (born 24 July 1991) is a South African rugby union player for Western Province in the Currie Cup and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. His playing position is winger. At 33 years old, this Cape Town native has carved out an impressive career spanning both domestic South African rugby and international competitions, including a stint in the English Premiership.
Early Life and Background
Born in Cape Town on July 24, 1991, Skosan grew up in the Western Cape where his passion for rugby was nurtured from an early age. His love for rugby came from enjoying the sport with his father since he can remember, with weekends dedicated to braai and rugby. Skosan was schooled at Brackenfell High School in Cape Town, where he began developing the skills that would later make him a professional rugby star.
Standing at 1.83 meters tall (6 ft 0 in) and weighing 96 kg, Skosan possesses the physical attributes ideal for a professional winger, combining pace with strength that has served him well throughout his career.
Professional Career Journey
Early Career and Development
Skosan played for the Blue Bulls at Under-19 and Under-21 level, earning a call-up to the South Africa Under-20 team for the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. This early recognition of his talent set the stage for his professional career.
He graduated to the senior team, making his debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2011 Vodacom Cup game against the Sharks XV. He remained at the Blue Bulls until the end of the 2013 season, making just twelve appearances. Despite limited opportunities at the Bulls, Skosan’s potential was evident, and he also contributed to UP Tuks in their victorious 2012 and 2013 Varsity Cup campaigns.
The Lions Era: Rise to Prominence
In 2014, he moved to the Golden Lions, a decision that would prove transformative for his career. During his time with the Lions, Skosan established himself as one of South Africa’s premier wingers. By the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season, Skosan had taken his Super Rugby cap tally to 72 scoring 33 tries and 165 points since joining the side in 2014.
The Lions period was particularly successful, with Skosan playing in three Super Rugby finals for the Emirates Lions, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stages in Southern Hemisphere rugby.
International Recognition
Skosan’s consistent performances at domestic level earned him international recognition. In 2017, Skosan was named to the South Africa team contesting a 3-match series against France. He started the first game and was awarded a penalty try after a French player held him back illegally at the goal line. He scored his first try in a test match on 19 August 2017 in the Rugby Championship test match between South Africa and Argentina.
He went on to make his test debut against France in the Springboks first test of 2017 and would make a further 11 appearances for the Boks that year scoring two tries. In total, he played 12 Tests for the Boks in 2017.
English Premiership Adventure
In August 2021, he signed a contract with Premiership club Northampton Saints. This move represented a new chapter in Skosan’s career, testing his skills against European competition. He scored 95 points in 37 appearances for the Saints which included a hat-trick on his debut against Worcester Warriors back in 2021.
The English Premiership experience proved valuable, with Skosan gaining experience in European conditions that would later benefit his return to South African rugby.
Current Team: The Stormers
At the end of the 2022/2023 season, Skosan announced he would be departing Saints to play for the South African club DHL Stormers. This homecoming was significant for the Cape Town-born winger.
Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan has made the move home to his roots in Cape Town to play for the DHL Stormers. After two seasons in the English Premiership with Northampton Saints, the prolific wing is back in the city where he grew up and learned the game, having signed with the DHL Stormers.
Impact at the Stormers
Skosan’s addition to the Stormers has been warmly received by both management and fans. DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that as both a proven international and someone who grew up supporting the DHL Stormers, Skosan is the ideal recruit for the mission to make Cape Town smile.
The former Northampton Saints and Lions flyer made his debut for the Cape Town-based outfit in their Round Two encounter against the Scarlets and had an immediate impact as he crossed for a try after coming on as a replacement in the 52-7 victory in Stellenbosch.
Playing Style and Attributes
Skosan is renowned for his finishing ability and pace on the wing. His deceiving pace, safety under the high ball and experience can be of great value to the Stormers. Skosan has a natural pace and nose for the tryline, attributes that have made him a consistent try-scorer throughout his career.
The 32-year-old finisher is blessed with plenty of pace and he is keen to add value at the Stormers, who are looking to return to winning ways. His experience across different competitions and playing conditions adds tactical awareness to his natural athletic abilities.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond rugby, Skosan has diverse interests. He enjoys creating content and is learning a lot about the coffee industry, as well as catching up with family and friends. When it comes to food preferences, he could eat sushi every day of the week!
His rugby heroes include Bryan Habana and Doug Howlett, both legendary wingers who likely influenced his playing style. Sydney, Australia has always been his favourite touring destination, reflecting his appreciation for the international aspect of professional rugby.
Looking Forward
As Courtnall Skosan continues his career with the Stormers, he brings a wealth of experience from his time across different competitions and continents. His journey from a young Cape Town rugby enthusiast to a Springbok international and back to his hometown team embodies the full circle of a successful professional rugby career. At 33, he continues to contribute valuable experience and finishing prowess to the Stormers as they compete in the United Rugby Championship and other competitions.
With his combination of international experience, proven try-scoring ability, and deep connection to the Cape Town rugby community, Skosan remains an important figure in South African rugby and a player capable of making significant contributions at the highest level of the sport.
