For years, former Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh were known for their performances on the rugby field, where split-second decisions, fierce competition and high-pressure moments defined their careers.

Today, however, both men say their most important roles begin long after the final whistle blows.

As co-hosts of the rugby podcast Behind the Ruck, Paige and De Jongh regularly discuss the game they love. Yet when Father’s Day arrives, the conversation shifts away from rugby tactics and match analysis to something far more personal — family, fatherhood and the lessons that come with raising children.

For both former internationals, becoming fathers has transformed their understanding of success, responsibility and what truly matters in life.

Fatherhood Changed Everything for Rudy Paige

Paige, a father of three, says parenthood has taught him lessons that even professional sport could not.

While rugby helped shape his discipline, resilience and work ethic, he believes fatherhood introduced him to a deeper sense of compassion and empathy.

According to Paige, becoming a parent challenged him to see the world differently and develop a greater understanding of the needs and emotions of others.

The qualities he values most today are not those associated with athletic achievement, but rather patience, kindness and the ability to be fully present for his children.

When asked to describe his perfect family day, Paige paints a picture far removed from stadium crowds and sporting commitments.

His ideal setting is the coastal town of St Helena Bay during the festive season, where life slows down and family takes centre stage.

The day would include walks on the beach, shared meals, braais with loved ones and evenings spent playing board games together — simple moments that create lasting memories.

Perhaps most amusingly, Paige admits that his children are not particularly interested in his rugby achievements.

He laughs when recalling their confusion whenever strangers ask about his sporting career, revealing that his children see him simply as Dad rather than a former Springbok.

Lessons Passed Down Through Generations

Reflecting on his own childhood in the Helderberg region of the Western Cape, Paige credits his father for helping shape the man he has become.

He describes his father as someone who consistently led by example and demonstrated values that extended beyond material success.

According to Paige, the greatest inheritance he received was not financial wealth but a foundation built on integrity, generosity, respect and kindness.

These are the same principles he hopes to instil in his own children as they grow older.

For him, fatherhood is not only about providing for a family but also about leaving behind a legacy of character and values that endure long after childhood.

Juan de Jongh on the Importance of Presence

For De Jongh, fatherhood centres on connection.

The former Springbok, who shares two children with his wife Simone, says one of the most important responsibilities of being a parent is being emotionally available, regardless of how demanding life becomes.

Even after long workdays and professional commitments, he believes meaningful interaction with his children remains essential.

Whether it is spending time in the playroom, jumping on the trampoline with his son or simply sharing conversations, De Jongh places enormous value on being actively involved in his children’s lives.

His ideal family day is refreshingly simple: quality time together, plenty of laughter and ending the day around a braai with loved ones.

As the father of both a son and a daughter, De Jongh acknowledges that each child has different interests and personalities.

Rather than expecting them to fit into one mould, he makes a conscious effort to support and engage with both of them in ways that reflect who they are as individuals.

A Father’s Example

Like Paige, De Jongh says his own father remains one of his greatest influences.

He credits his father for teaching him discipline, respect and the importance of treating others well.

One lesson that particularly stayed with him was witnessing how his father treated his mother with love and respect.

Today, De Jongh hopes to model those same behaviours for his children.

He believes that children learn not only from what parents say but also from what they see every day.

By demonstrating kindness, respect and commitment within his marriage, he hopes to provide his son and daughter with a positive example they can carry into their own lives.

More than anything, he wants his children to remember him as a loving and dependable father who was always present when they needed him.

Life Beyond Rugby

For much of their lives, Paige and De Jongh operated in an environment defined by competition, performance and achievement.

Professional rugby demanded sacrifice, discipline and relentless focus. Yet both men now say that fatherhood has provided a different kind of challenge — one that requires patience, vulnerability and consistency.

While the rugby field shaped their careers, family life continues to shape their character.

As Father’s Day shines a spotlight on the role of dads across the country, the stories of Paige and De Jongh offer a reminder that some of life’s most meaningful victories happen far from the spotlight.

Away from packed stadiums and cheering crowds, their priorities have shifted to school runs, family dinners, bedtime routines and creating memories with the people who matter most.

For both former Springboks, success is no longer measured by trophies or appearances. Instead, it is measured by the love they give, the values they teach and their willingness to show up every day for their children.

In the end, the lesson both fathers share is simple: being present matters, love matters, and the greatest legacy a parent can leave is the example they set.