South African rugby has produced countless exceptional talents over the decades, but few have captured the imagination quite like Warrick Wayne Gelant. Born on May 20, 1995, this dynamic fullback has carved out an impressive career that includes World Cup glory and recognition as one of the most exciting attacking players in the modern game.
Early Life and Rise Through the Ranks
Gelant’s rugby journey began remarkably early, coming to the attention of provincial selectors during primary school when he was selected to represent SWD at the Under-13 Craven Week tournament in 2008. This early recognition of his talent set the stage for a meteoric rise through South African rugby’s youth systems.
The gifted player attended Outeniqua High School in George and represented SWD at the 2013 Craven Week. His performances at these prestigious youth tournaments consistently impressed selectors, leading to his inclusion in the South African Schools side. He represented the national schools team in matches against France, Wales, and England, showcasing his versatility by playing both fullback and centre.
After completing high school, Gelant made the significant move to Pretoria to join the Blue Bulls system. While initially included in their 2014 Vodacom Cup squad, he gained valuable experience playing for university side UP Tuks in the 2014 Varsity Cup competition, starting all seven matches.
International Youth Success
Gelant’s talent shone brightest on the international youth stage when he was included in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship in New Zealand. His performances were nothing short of spectacular, starting the opening match against Scotland and scoring a crucial try in South Africa’s commanding 61-5 victory.
The young fullback’s sevens career also flourished when he was called up to the South African Sevens side for their 2014-15 World Series campaign. He enjoyed a memorable start, with South Africa winning both the 2014 Dubai Sevens and the 2014 South Africa Sevens tournaments in his first two appearances.
Professional Career Breakthrough
Gelant’s professional career gained momentum with the Bulls, where he gradually established himself as a key player. His breakthrough season came in 2016 when he featured more regularly for the Bulls during Super Rugby and became one of the stars of the 2016 Currie Cup.
The 2017 season marked a turning point in Gelant’s career. He topped the try-scoring charts with 10 tries in the 2017 Currie Cup, earning recognition as the Currie Cup Back of the Year at the Blue Bulls awards ceremony. This exceptional form caught the attention of Springbok selectors, leading to his first Test call-up.
Springbok Glory and World Cup Triumph
Gelant made his Springbok debut against Italy, coming off the bench, before earning his first start against Wales, where he scored his maiden Test try. His international career faced challenges due to injuries, but his persistence paid off spectacularly.
The pinnacle of Gelant’s career came in 2019 when he was selected for South Africa’s Rugby World Cup squad in Japan. As a member of the victorious Springboks team, Gelant contributed two tries during their triumphant campaign, helping South Africa lift the William Webb Ellis Cup.
Club Career Evolution
Following his World Cup success, Gelant made a significant career move. In 2020, the 25-year-old fullback switched from the Bulls to Super Rugby rivals the Stormers, moving from Pretoria to Cape Town to fill the gap left by another Springboks fullback, Dillyn Leyds, who had moved to La Rochelle in France.
His success with the Stormers led to an overseas opportunity when French Top 14 club Racing 92 officially confirmed his signing in 2022. The 27-year-old signed a deal until 2024 after helping the Stormers win the United Rugby Championship. However, Gelant eventually returned to the Stormers, where he continues to showcase his exceptional abilities.
Playing Style and Attributes
Standing 1.78 meters tall (5 ft 10 in) and weighing 96 kg, Gelant is a 30-year-old fullback known for his dynamic attacking play. He is celebrated for his counter-attacking skills and vision, making him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Gelant describes himself as “a student of the game,” constantly striving to learn new skills and add different dimensions to his gameplay. His approach to rugby involves daily conversations with coaches and interactions with referees, demonstrating his commitment to continuous improvement.
Current Status and Future Aspirations
While Gelant hasn’t featured in Springbok rugby since winning the Rugby World Cup in 2019, he still harbors dreams of returning to the Green and Gold. His performances continue to demonstrate that he can contribute to the national side, especially with their evolving attacking game plan.
Currently playing for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, Gelant remains a key figure in their attacking structure. Working alongside talents like Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Manie Libbok, he has adapted his role within the team while maintaining his status as one of rugby’s most creative players.
Legacy and Impact
Warrick Gelant’s journey from a promising schoolboy in George to a World Cup winner exemplifies the pathways available in South African rugby. His ability to bounce back from injury setbacks, adapt to different team environments, and maintain his attacking flair throughout various career phases makes him a role model for aspiring players.
As a World Cup-winning Springbok and URC champion with the Stormers in 2022, Gelant has achieved the highest honors in both international and club rugby. His story continues to evolve, with fans eagerly watching to see if this gifted player can add further chapters to his already impressive rugby legacy.
Whether he secures another opportunity with the Springboks or continues to dazzle in the URC with the Stormers, Warrick Gelant remains one of South African rugby’s most captivating talents—a player whose combination of skill, determination, and attacking brilliance ensures his place among the country’s rugby elite.
