Jan Christian Stewart was born on 17 October 1966 in Toronto, Canada. Educated at Diocesan College (Bishops) in Cape Town, he developed into a powerful and intelligent back who could play both centre and fullback with equal assurance.

Stewart began his senior rugby career with Western Province, where his strong defence, balanced running, and vision in attack earned him wide recognition. Having been born in Canada, he first represented that country in the early 1990s and was a member of the Canadian squad at the 1995 Rugby World Cup held in South Africa. His performance there, including his appearance in the tempestuous match against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth known as the Battle of Boet Erasmus, marked him as one of Canada’s most composed and experienced players.

After completing his commitment to Canada, Stewart became eligible to play for South Africa under the international regulations of the time, which permitted a one-time change of national allegiance. In 1998 he was selected for the Springboks, winning three test caps that season. His dual representation - Canada first, then South Africa - remains one of the rare examples of a player legally switching between two Tier-1 nations.

Throughout his career, Stewart was admired for his professionalism, tactical understanding, and calm under pressure. His unique journey from Bishops to Western Province, from Canadian red to Springbok green, reflected both his adaptability and the increasingly international nature of rugby at the dawn of the professional era.

Christian Stewart stands as a distinctive figure in rugby history - a man whose talent earned him the honour of representing two proud rugby nations, and who remains remembered for his skill, composure, and contribution to both.