Bottom Line: Leolin Zas, at 29 years old, continues to be one of the most lethal wingers in international rugby, leading the United Rugby Championship try-scoring charts and serving as a cornerstone of the DHL Stormers’ attacking arsenal.
Early Life and Background
Leolin Lucien Zas was born on October 20, 1995, in Worcester, South Africa, making him 29 years old as of 2025. Standing at 1.84 meters (6 feet) tall and weighing 93-94 kilograms, Zas has built his reputation as a dynamic winger known for his exceptional speed and try-scoring ability.
Growing up in the Western Cape, Zas began his rugby career in Hermanus before making his mark on the national stage. His journey through South African rugby’s youth structures laid the foundation for what would become a stellar professional career.
Youth Career and Development
Zas was selected by the Boland Cavaliers to represent them at the Under-18 Craven Week competition held in Polokwane in 2013. His performances were immediately impressive, as he started three matches for them at outside centre and scored 18 points for his side, which consisted of one try in their match against hosts Limpopo Blue Bulls and 13 points with the boot.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed by national selectors. His performances were also noticed by the selectors of the South African Schools team and he made two appearances for them in the 2013 Under-18 International Series; he started both their 17–13 victory against France and match against Wales, as a try by Zas proved crucial in a 14–13 victory.
After high school, Zas joined the Western Province Rugby Institute and he represented Western Province U19 in the 2014 Under-19 Provincial Championship. His impact was immediate and significant. Zas started eight of their twelve matches during the regular season and scored five tries – three of those came in a single match against Leopards U21, while he also scored against Free State U19 in both their home and away matches in the competition.
International Youth Success
The year 2015 marked a breakthrough for Zas on the international stage. In 2015, Zas was selected a 37-man South Africa Under-20 training squad and started for them in a friendly match against a 2015 Varsity Cup Dream Team, scoring a try in a 31–24 victory.
His World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign was particularly memorable. He started all three of their matches in Pool B of the competition; a 33–5 win against hosts Italy, a 40–8 win against Samoa which saw Zas score a try shortly after half-time and their final match against Australia, with Zas again on the scoresheet in a 46–13 win. Though South Africa was eliminated in the semi-finals, he started their third-place play-off match against France, helping South Africa to a 31–18 win to win the bronze medal.
Professional Career and Current Team
Current Team: Leolin Zas, a winger for the DHL Stormers, has become synonymous with explosive attacking rugby. DHL Stormers caps: 59 speaks to his importance to the franchise over the years.
The Stormers, based in Cape Town, compete in both the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European competitions. His regular position is winger and centre, though he predominantly features on the wing where his pace and finishing ability are maximized.
Zas’s professional journey has seen him represent various teams within the Western Province rugby structure. In November 2017, he signed with the Sharks and joined them for the 2018 Super Rugby season, but he eventually returned to his roots with the Stormers.
2024/25 Season Statistics
The current season has been particularly productive for Zas, showcasing why he remains one of the most feared finishers in the game. According to the latest United Rugby Championship statistics:
Key 2024/25 URC Stats:
- Total Games: 13
- Tries: 7
- Points: 35
- Games Started: 14
- Clean Breaks: 21 (ranked 2nd)
- Metres Gained: 572 (ranked 27th)
- Defenders Beaten: 22
These statistics highlight Zas’s continued excellence as an attacking threat. His ranking of 5th in tries scored and 2nd in clean breaks demonstrates his ability to break defensive lines and finish scoring opportunities.
Career Highlights and Achievements
One of Zas’s most remarkable achievements came during the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship season. Zas, 26, beat all comers with 11 tries in 11 matches this season and scored 11 tries over the course of the regular season to end the campaign at the top of the charts, and was one of five players from the Stormers included in the league’s Dream Team.
This try-scoring feat was instrumental in the Stormers charged towards the inaugural URC title in 2021-22, establishing him as one of the competition’s elite finishers.
His international recognition includes In 2016, Zas was included in a South Africa ‘A’ squad that played a two-match series against a touring England Saxons team, representing his country at the senior level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Zas is celebrated for his speed, agility and try-scoring capabilities and is known for his speed and ability to punish defenses when given space. His versatility allows him to operate effectively in multiple positions, though his primary role remains on the wing where his pace can be maximized.
Recent reports indicate that Zas played a key role as the Stormers charged towards the inaugural URC title in 2021-22, demonstrating his big-game temperament and ability to perform under pressure.
Recent Form and Future Outlook
Despite some early-season challenges for the Stormers, Zas remains optimistic and focused. As the team gears up to face Munster, Zas stressed that the early-season struggles are no cause for alarm. His experience and leadership qualities are evident in his approach: “This is only the third game of the season. We just need to be patient. It will come. Once the ball starts to stick for us, we will be up there again.”
At 29 years old, Zas is entering the prime years of his career, combining the explosive athleticism of his youth with the tactical understanding that comes with experience. His consistent try-scoring record and continued selection for the Stormers indicate that he remains a crucial component of their attacking strategy.
Conclusion
Leolin Zas represents the epitome of South African rugby’s production line of world-class wingers. From his early days representing Boland at youth level to becoming a United Rugby Championship try-scoring champion, his journey exemplifies dedication, talent, and continuous improvement. As he continues his career with the DHL Stormers, rugby fans can expect more electrifying performances from this dynamic winger who has proven time and again that he belongs among the elite finishers in world rugby.
With his combination of pace, finishing ability, and big-game experience, Zas remains a player to watch as the Stormers pursue further success in both domestic and international competitions.
