DHL Stormers legend: Bob Skinstad

Charismatic and dynamic, loose forward Bob Skinstad was an original DHL Stormer who embodied what the team was all about.

Between 1998 and 2000, Bobby Skinstad emerged as the face of the ‘Men in Black’ capturing the hearts and imaginations of fans as a uniquely creative loose forward with a style of play that quickly became the hallmark of the DHL Stormers brand of rugby.

Under Skinstad’s leadership, the 1999 DHL Stormers team showed immense promise. They started the Super Rugby season with a bang, winning six of their first eight matches, including a memorable triumph over eventual champions, the Crusaders.

His influence was undeniable, acting as the linchpin that connected a skilful backline boasting the likes of Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck and De Wet Barry with the power of a pack that included Corné Krige, Robbie Kempson and Cobus Visagie.

Unfortunately, Skinstad suffered a season-ending knee injury before the playoffs and although the DHL Stormers’ title hopes were dashed in the semifinals by the Highlanders, his imprint on the team’s identity endured.

Skinstad’s impact extended beyond the DHL Stormers, with a career that spanned various teams and roles.

Bursting onto the Test scene as a ‘super sub’, the 2007 World Cup winner earned 42 caps for the Springboks, and represented South Africa in two World Cups, even captaining the national side.

Skinstad’s illustrious career featured Currie Cup and Tri-Nations titles, and though the remainder of his career took him from Durban to Newport before retiring in 2007, his role in putting the DHL Stormers on the map still resonates with The Faithful today.

Skinstad’s DHL Stormers numbers

27 – The number of matches he played for the DHL Stormers from 1998 to 2001

9 – The number of tries he scored for the DHL Stormers