Wybrand Willem “Braam” Els was born in South Africa and rose through the ranks as one of the country’s most promising forwards during the early 1990s. A tough, intelligent player with a natural feel for the physical and tactical demands of forward play, Els combined hard graft with a keen rugby brain - the kind of dependable performer every pack needs.
He first came to prominence representing Northern Free State at the Craven Week under-19 tournaments from 1988 to 1990. His performances there earned him selection for the senior Free State side in 1992, where he quickly established himself as a reliable, hard-working forward in a competitive provincial setup. Over the next few seasons, he developed into one of the union’s key players, respected for his commitment, leadership, and steady influence on the field.
Els’s consistent domestic form led to national recognition. He represented South Africa at under-23 level and in the Development side before being chosen for the South Africa A tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he gained valuable international experience. One of the highlights of that tour was his appearance in the match against Scotland A at Hawick, remembered for its intensity and high scoring.
His Springbok debut came in 1997 during one of South Africa’s most dominant performances of the decade - a 61-22 victory over Australia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Coming on as a replacement for Hannes Strydom, Els earned his place among the elite few to have worn the green and gold. Though his Test career was limited to that single appearance, it represented the peak of years of dedication to the game.
Off the field, Braam Els is known for his calm demeanour and professionalism. A schoolteacher by trade, he balanced his rugby career with his commitment to education - a reflection of his discipline and sense of responsibility. His story is that of a quietly determined sportsman who achieved the dream of representing his country through perseverance, consistency, and an unwavering love for the game.