Bottom Line: Tristan Leyds transformed from a promising schoolboy fullback at Bishop’s College to an Olympic bronze medalist, overcoming injuries and setbacks to become a key figure in South African rugby sevens.
In the world of South African rugby, few stories capture the essence of perseverance and transformation quite like that of Tristan Leyds. Born on 24 May 1997 in Somerset West, South Africa, Leyds comes from a rugby-oriented family and has carved out his own remarkable path from school rugby to Olympic glory.
Early Promise at Bishop’s College
Leyds’ rugby journey began at the prestigious Bishop’s College in Cape Town, where he quickly established himself as a standout performer. Although fairly small in stature, has scarified the lush green Piley Reese with his scintillating running from the back and has thus been marked by many opposition teams as a potential danger man. Even during his school years, observers noted his similar playing style to his older brother, Dillyn Leyds, who would go on to represent the Springboks.
The younger Leyds brother possessed similar running and decision-making ability to his 22-year-old brother, showcasing the natural talent that ran in the family. His performances at school level earned him recognition, with an outside shot of making the Western Province U18 Craven Week team, marking him as one to watch for the future.
University Years and Building Foundations
After completing his schooling, Leyds attended the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where he played a pivotal role in the university’s rugby renaissance. From making history with UWC by qualifying for the Varsity Cup for the first time, to his Stormers debut and playing for the Stormers in the year they were victorious in the URC — each milestone holds a special place in his heart.
Reflecting on his time at UWC, Leyds described it as “nothing short of spectacular because the personnel we had in the team were players that have played U/21 Currie Cup with each other”. The university provided the perfect platform for him to develop his skills alongside players who understood each other’s games, creating a foundation for future success.
Professional Breakthrough
Leyds was named in the Stormers squad for the Super Rugby Unlocked campaign. He made his debut for Western Province in Round 3 of the 2020 Currie Cup Premier Division against Pumas. His professional career seemed to be gaining momentum, but like many athletes, Leyds faced significant challenges that would test his resolve.
Overcoming Adversity
The path to success wasn’t without obstacles. After a long syndesmosis injury, he received a call from Marius Schoeman, inviting him to join the 7s for a short stint at a tournament in Colorado. At a crossroads in his career, “I was at a point where it felt like I was not going to get any game time at the DHL Stormers and I needed to look at other options,” Leyds reflected.
This transition proved to be the turning point in his career. His time with the Blitzboks reignited his passion for rugby, though not making the 13-man squad for the Zimbabwe trip was a bitter pill to swallow. The demands of sevens rugby required him to completely reimagine his approach to the game, focusing intensively on defense, goal kicking, and communication.
Olympic Glory
The culmination of Leyds’ journey came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where He competed for South Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. They defeated Australia to win the bronze medal final. Making his Blitzbok debut in Perth was his first experience representing his country in rugby, and the Olympic medal represented the pinnacle of his achievements.
Looking back on his career, “Looking back, being an Olympic bronze medallist is something that will be hard to top,” Leyds admits. His journey serves as inspiration to young players facing similar challenges, as he advises: “Keep pushing, keep fighting, and pray for the strength to achieve your goals.”
Legacy and Future
Today, Tristan Leyds stands as proof that success in rugby isn’t just about natural talent—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to reinvent yourself when circumstances demand it. From the school fields of Bishop’s College to the Olympic podium in Paris, his story continues to inspire the next generation of South African rugby players.
His transformation from a promising schoolboy fullback to an Olympic medalist demonstrates that with determination and the right support system, even the most challenging career transitions can lead to extraordinary achievements on rugby’s biggest stages.
