DHL Stormers legend: Eddie Andrews

A testament to grit and determination, the inspirational Eddie Andrews went from club player to anchoring the scrum for the DHL Stormers.

Without a background in school rugby, Andrews carved out an impressive career with the DHL Stormers, scoring four tries across 47 appearances for the franchise.

He started as a lock at Mitchells Plain Rugby Club before moving to prop at Primrose Rugby Club in 1998. The following year, Andrews was one of several players from the Western Province development team invited to trials by then DHL Western Province Head Coach Gert Smal and Assistant Coach Carel du Plessis.

Andrews would play three seasons for DHL WP in the Vodacom Cup before making his Currie Cup debut in 2002. He played his first Super Rugby match for the DHL Stormers the next year, against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

His powerful presence at tighthead prop soon earned him a spot in the Springbok squad, where he collected 23 Test caps between 2004 and 2007 under coach Jake White.

A persistent back injury forced Andrews to retire prematurely in 2007, just before the Rugby World Cup. This injury, which first surfaced in 2000, ultimately curtailed his playing days.

Post-retirement, Andrews channeled his passion for the community into the Joshua Foundation, alongside former DHL Stormers teammate Tonderai Chavhanga. The foundation focused on teaching life and rugby skills to youngsters in Mitchells Plain, where Andrews was born and raised.

Andrews later entered politics and was elected to the Cape Town City Council, and has served as Deputy Mayor of Cape Town since 2021.

Andrews’ DHL Stormers numbers

47 – The number of matches he played for the DHL Stormers from 2003 to 2007

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