Adriaan Strauss was born on 18 November 1985 in Bloemfontein and educated at Grey College, one of South Africa’s most famous rugby nurseries. From early on, he showed a rare combination of strength, discipline, and leadership that would mark his long professional career. After representing South African Schools and the national Under-19 and Under-21 sides, he graduated to senior provincial rugby with the Free State Cheetahs, making his Currie Cup debut in 2005.
Strauss became a cornerstone of the Cheetahs pack in both Currie Cup and Super Rugby, valued for his scrummaging power, mobility, and exceptional accuracy at the line-out. In 2015 he joined the Bulls, where his tactical maturity and calm presence added stability to their forward play.
He made his Test debut for South Africa in July 2008 against Australia in Perth and went on to play 66 Tests, scoring six tries. Over the next eight years, Strauss became a model of consistency, competing with Bismarck du Plessis for the Springbok No 2 jersey and earning a reputation as one of the most technically reliable hookers in world rugby.
In 2016, Strauss was appointed Springbok captain, leading South Africa through a difficult rebuilding phase with quiet professionalism and dignity. Though his captaincy coincided with a challenging period for the national team, he remained respected for his composure, honesty, and the example he set both on and off the field.
At franchise level he was part of the Cheetahs’ 2006 Currie Cup-winning team and later reached Super Rugby play-offs with both the Cheetahs and Bulls. His longevity and durability - over a decade at the highest levels of the game - underline his commitment and discipline.
Adriaan Strauss retired from international rugby after the 2016 end-of-year tour, closing one of the most distinguished careers by a modern Springbok hooker. Remembered as a player of integrity, consistency, and quiet leadership, he remains one of the outstanding products of the Free State and a respected figure in South African rugby history.