Bryan Habana reflects on post-retirement growth

The 42-year-old, who quit the game in 2018 and played his last international Test nearly 10 years ago, has enjoyed a seemingly seamless crossover into the business world, with several personal business ventures as well as numerous ambassadorial roles.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Habana has admitted he has been incredibly fortunate to remain as successful off the pitch as he was within the white lines.

"I've been very fortunate. I think the biggest narrative in professional sport, potentially, is retiring and it's a daunting one. You feel like you're jumping off a cliff because you're not quite sure what's going to be happen next – there's no bungee rope attached to your ankles.

"But I have been incredibly fortunate that I've had some phenomenal people by my side," said Habana.

READ: LIV Golf Southern Guards GC launch 12-Month youth legacy project

One of his latest roles is being appointed ambassador of the Southern Guards GC team in LIV Golf, and the 2007 Rugby World Cup winner explained how this came about.

"We tried to light it up last year. My golf is horrible, so they definitely didn't sign me for my golfing capabilities, but hopefully I'm helping in a different way – in how they growing the game in South Africa and getting people talking about it.

"There's been a name change, a dawn of a new era. When you look at where we are today, this is the start of a foundational element that will hopefully see the game of golf touching lives. Golf was probably as far-fetched a reality as possible for many, so this is a fantastic privilege and opportunity. Hopefully, this is the start –  not only for the Southern Guard's GC team to show their real give-back, but create a platform when LIV comes in March to show just how good South Africa is as a country."

He may not be known for his golfing abilities, but Habana welcomes his role and broader responsibility of giving back to local communities, from which the next generation of sporting talent will come.

Habana also reckons, with LIV Golf coming to South Africa next month, the action and entertainment could be the start of something special – an event that could potentially rival LIV Golf Adelaide in Australia as the biggest on the golfing calendar.