Immanuel "Manie" Libbok (born 15 July 1997) is a South African rugby union player who represents the Springboks, Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, and Western Province in the Currie Cup. Known for his versatility, he plays as a utility back, capable of slotting in as a fullback, fly-half, winger, or centre.
Early Career:
Libbok was born in Humansdorp and attended HTS Daniël Pienaar in Uitenhage. In 2013, he earned his first provincial selection, representing Eastern Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week. He showcased his talent by scoring tries against the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions.
He later moved to George and joined Hoërskool Outeniqua in 2014. There, he represented the SWD Eagles at the prestigious Under-18 Craven Week tournament in 2014 and 2015. Libbok's standout performance came in 2015 when he scored two tries, four conversions, and one penalty, making him the tournament's top scorer.
International Recognition:
Following his impressive performances, Libbok was selected for the South Africa Schools team in the 2015 Under-18 International Series. He played a crucial role in the team's victories over Wales and England, securing a 100% record for the series.
Professional Career:
In 2016, Libbok joined the Blue Bulls academy in Pretoria. He made his provincial debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2016 Currie Cup qualification series, playing as a fullback. He quickly established himself as a key player, contributing points with accurate goal-kicking and scoring tries.
His exceptional form led to his inclusion in the South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship. As the team's fly-half, he played a pivotal role in their journey to the semi-finals, finishing the competition as one of the top try-scorers for South Africa.
Libbok continued to impress in domestic competitions, representing the Blue Bulls at the U19 and U21 levels. He displayed his attacking prowess and contributed significantly to the team's success.
In November 2016, he was selected for the Bulls' extended training squad as they prepared for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Presently, Libbok represents the Springboks and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute across multiple positions on the field.
With his skill set, adaptability, and consistent performances, Manie Libbok is poised for a successful career in South African rugby, making an impact both at the domestic and international levels.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Libbok has been named in the South African training squad.