Raymond Kofi Rhule was born on 6 November 1992 in Accra, Ghana, and moved to South Africa as a young boy, where his athletic potential quickly became evident. He attended HTS Louis Botha in Bloemfontein, a school renowned for producing talented rugby players, and soon established himself as one of the most exciting backline prospects in the Free State. Blessed with blistering pace, sharp footwork, and a natural eye for the try-line, Rhule developed into a potent attacking weapon from an early age.
After starring for the Free State Cheetahs at junior level, Rhule came to national attention in 2012 when he represented South Africa in the IRB Junior World Championship. Playing a key role on the wing, he helped the Junior Springboks capture the world title on home soil - a historic achievement that marked him as a player to watch. His speed and flair soon earned him a place in the Cheetahs’ Super Rugby squad, where his try-scoring ability and counter-attacking threat became hallmarks of his game.
Rhule’s consistent provincial and Super Rugby performances led to his Springbok debut in 2017 under coach Allister Coetzee. He made his Test debut on 10 June 2017 against France at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and went on to earn seven Test caps that year, scoring his first international try against Argentina. His attacking spark was undeniable, and while defensive lapses sometimes drew criticism, his raw speed and ability to exploit space made him one of the most dangerous finishers in South African rugby at the time.
Following his time with the Springboks, Rhule continued his professional career abroad. He joined Grenoble in France before moving to La Rochelle, where he became an integral part of the club’s rise in European rugby. With La Rochelle, he helped secure the European Champions Cup title - a landmark achievement that showcased his growth into a mature, well-rounded player capable of competing at the highest level of the game.
From his beginnings in Ghana to his success in South Africa and Europe, Raymond Rhule’s story is one of determination and adaptability. A dynamic wing who combined pace with flair, he remains a symbol of modern rugby’s global reach - and of how talent, when nurtured with hard work, can transcend borders and backgrounds.