Wessel Roux
Full names: Wessel Gerhardus
Date of birth: 18 Oct 1975
Place of birth: Bothaville
School: Bothaville
Springbok no: 737
Springbok debut province: Blue Bulls
Physical: 1.83m, 120.0kg
Current age: 50
Test summary: Tests: 3 Tries: 0
First Test: 9 Nov 2002 Age 27 - Reserve against France at Stade Velodrome, Marseilles
Last Test: 23 Nov 2002 Age 27 - Loose-head Prop against England at Twickenham, London
Tours France, Scotland & England 2002
Test history:
DateAgePositionOpponentVenueResultScoreProvince
09 Nov 2002 27Reserve France Stade Velodrome, Marseilles Lose: 10-30  Blue Bulls
16 Nov 2002 27Loose-head Prop Scotland Murrayfield, Edinburgh Lose: 6-21  Blue Bulls
23 Nov 2002 27Loose-head Prop England Twickenham, London Lose: 3-53  Blue Bulls

Wessel Gerhardus Roux was born on 18 October 1973 and built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most dependable front-row forwards of the early 2000s. A powerful tighthead prop with strong scrummaging technique and surprising mobility in the loose, he combined physical strength with a calm temperament that made him an asset to every pack he anchored.

Roux first came through the junior structures of South African rugby, representing the national Under-21 and “A” teams while developing his craft in Pretoria. After serving his apprenticeship from the bench during the Bulls’ early Super 12 campaigns, he established himself as a regular in the Blue Bulls front row. His consistency in Currie Cup and Super Rugby competition earned him national selection during Rudolf Straeuli’s tenure as Springbok coach.

He made his test debut against France in November 2002, coming in as a replacement for the injured Willie Meyer during the Springboks’ European tour. His first appearance impressed observers: he combined stability in the scrums with effective driving play in open phases and reliable handling. A week later, he was again involved in the squad that faced England at Twickenham, confirming his status as a fully fledged international.

Roux remained a key figure in the Bulls’ front row through the mid-2000s, contributing to the province’s growing dominance in South African rugby. After his domestic career he continued playing professionally overseas, including a successful stint with Toulon in France, where his experience proved invaluable to the club’s developing forward pack.

Known for his strength, humility, and professionalism, Wessel Roux represented the steady, hard-working breed of prop on which South African rugby has long depended. His career, spanning provincial, Super Rugby, and international levels, reflected both his technical ability and his commitment to the game’s most demanding position.