Springbok Rugby Players Ben Jason Dixon, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka and Zachary Porthen attended a Get Into Rugby activation on the B Field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 18 June 2026 ahead of the two big games on Saturday – SA A Team v Zimbabwe and Springboks v Barbarians FC. 13 schools were present. All children got a chance to interact with the players at the 10 activity stations dotted around the field.
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Player Bio’s:
Ben-Jason Dixon: Born on 29 April 1998 in Cape Town, Dixon is a versatile forward who plays as a lock or flanker for the Stormers and Western Province. A product of Paul Roos Gymnasium and Stellenbosch University, he made his Springbok debut against Wales on 22 June 2024. Known for his physicality and adaptability in the set pieces and open play, he has established himself as a key member of the Stormers squad.
Phepsi Buthelezi: Born Phendulani Sikhizane Hendrick Buthelezi on 30 May 1999 in Hluhluwe, he is a loose forward who plays for the Sharks. An alumnus of Durban High School, he represented South Africa at the school level and played for the Under-20 team at the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship. He earned his first Springbok cap on 20 July 2024 against Portugal, where he also scored a try.
Vincent Tshituka: Born on 10 September 1998 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tshituka moved to South Africa as a child in 2002. A flanker who plays for the Sharks, he previously represented the Lions and was named the URC Player of the Month in April 2022. After gaining South African citizenship, he made his international debut for the Springboks against Italy on 5 July 2025.
Zachary Porthen: Born on 31 March 2004 in Cape Town, Porthen is a professional prop who plays for the Stormers and Western Province. A former Wynberg Boys’ High School head prefect and captain of the SA Schools team, he represented South Africa at the Under-20 level in 2023 and 2024. He earned a call-up to the senior South African squad for the 2025 end-of-year internationals.
