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{{short description|South Africa international rugby union player}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox rugby union biography
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Heinrich Brüssow
| name = Heinrich Brüssow
| image = Heinrich Brüssow 2011 RWC cropped.jpg
| image = Heinrich Brüssow 2011 RWC cropped.jpg
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|07|21|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|07|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bloemfontein]], South Africa
| birth_place = [[Bloemfontein]], South Africa
| height = {{height|m=1.80}}
| height = {{height|m=1.70}}
| weight = {{convert|103|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|108|kg|stlb lb|0|abbr=on}}
⚫
| nickname =
| occupation =
| occupation =
| school = [[Grey College, Bloemfontein]]
| school = [[Grey College, Bloemfontein]]
| university = [[University of the Free State]]
| university = [[University of the Free State]]
| relatives =
| spouse = Caroline Grace Brussow
| position = [[Flanker (rugby union)|Flanker]]
| position = [[Flanker (rugby union)|Flanker]]
| currentclub = [[NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes]]
| currentclub = [[Northampton Saints]]
| youthyears1 = 2004–2005
| youthyears1 = 2004–2005
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut Free State Cheetahs}}
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}}
| years1 = 2006–2014
| years1 = 2006–2014
| clubs1 = {{Rut Free State Cheetahs}}
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}}
| apps1 = 61
| apps1 = 61
| points1 = 125
| points1 = 125
| years2 = 2007–2015
| years2 = 2007–2015
| clubs2 = {{Rut Cheetahs}}
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Cheetahs}}
| apps2 = 82
| apps2 = 82
| points2 = 45
| points2 = 45
| years3 = 2013–present
| years3 = 2013–2018
| clubs3 = [[NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes]]
| clubs3 = [[NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes]]
| apps3 = 27
| apps3 = 27
| points3 = 25
| points3 = 25
| years4 = 2018–2020
| clubs4 = [[Northampton Saints]]
⚫
| apps4 = 20
| points4 = 20
| repyears1 = 2004
| repyears1 = 2004
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-18 rugby union team|South Africa Schools]]
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-18 rugby union team|South Africa Schools]]
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| repcaps2 =
| repcaps2 =
| reppoints2 =
| reppoints2 =
| repyears3 = 2008–11, 2015–present
| repyears3 = 2008–11, 2015
| repteam3 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repteam3 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repcaps3 = 22
| repcaps3 = 22
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| repcaps4 = 2
| repcaps4 = 2
| reppoints4 = 5
| reppoints4 = 5
| clubupdate = 24 July 2016
| clubupdate = 24 September 2023
| repupdate = 8 August 2015
| repupdate = 24 September 2023
}}
}}
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'''Heinrich Wilhelm Brüssow''' (born 21 July 1986) is a South African [[rugby union]] footballer. His usual position is open-side [[Flanker (rugby union)|flanker]] and he currently plays for [[NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes]] in the [[Japan]]ese [[Top League]].


⚫
'''Heinrich Wilhelm Brüssow''' (born 21 July 1986) is a South African former professional [[rugby union]] player. His usual position was as open-side [[Flanker (rugby union)|flanker]] and his most recent club was [[Northampton Saints]] in the [[Premiership Rugby|English Premiership]].
⚫
He played for the {{Rut Free State Cheetahs}} in domestic South African rugby between 2006 and 2014, for the {{Rut Cheetahs}} in [[Super Rugby]] between 2007 and 2015 and also represented {{nrut|South Africa}} between 2008 and 2011 and for the [[South Africa national rugby sevens team|South Africa Sevens]] team in 2006.

⚫
He played for the {{Rut|Free State Cheetahs}} in domestic South African rugby between 2006 and 2014, for the {{Rut|Cheetahs}} in [[Super Rugby]] between 2007 and 2015 and also represented {{nrut|South Africa}} between 2008 and 2015 and for the [[South Africa national rugby sevens team|South Africa Sevens]] team in 2006.


==Early career==
==Early career==
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==Professional career==
==Professional career==
In 2009, Brüssow was again a flanker in the [[Super Rugby|Super 14]] competition. However, selectors excluded him from the Springboks squad. Soon afterwards he played for the [[Free State Cheetahs]] against the [[British and Irish Lions]] team; Brüssow was finally called up for [[Schalk Burger]], who failed to recover from an injury for the first test against the [[British and Irish Lions|Lions]].<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8100972.stm BBC: Brüssow handed Springboks start</ref><ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/16/rugby.lions.springboks.test/index.html CNN: Springboks call for flanker Brüssow</ref> He received the Man-of-the-Match award in the Springboks' win against the [[All Blacks]] on 25 July 2009.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_2682188">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/2682188/Pocket-rocket-to-plague-All-Blacks |title=Pocket rocket to plague All Blacks |date=28 July 2009 |work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] |accessdate=2 October 2011}}</ref> Brüssow once again featured in a [[Currie Cup]] final in [[2009 Currie Cup Premier Division|2009]], but the [[Free State Cheetahs]] lost to a hungry [[Blue Bulls]] team.
In 2009, Brüssow was again a flanker in the [[Super Rugby|Super 14]] competition. However, selectors excluded him from the Springboks squad. Soon afterwards he played for the [[Free State Cheetahs]] against the [[British & Irish Lions]] team; Brüssow was finally called up for [[Schalk Burger]], who failed to recover from an injury for the first test against the [[British & Irish Lions|Lions]].<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8100972.stm BBC: Brüssow handed Springboks start</ref><ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/16/rugby.lions.springboks.test/index.html CNN: Springboks call for flanker Brüssow</ref> He received the Man-of-the-Match award in the Springboks' win against the [[All Blacks]] on 25 July 2009.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_2682188">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/2682188/Pocket-rocket-to-plague-All-Blacks |title=Pocket rocket to plague All Blacks |date=28 July 2009 |publisher=Stuff|location=New Zealand |access-date=2 October 2011}}</ref> Brüssow once again featured in a [[Currie Cup]] final in [[2009 Currie Cup Premier Division|2009]], but the [[Free State Cheetahs]] lost to a hungry [[Blue Bulls]] team.

⚫
Early March 2010 Brüssow's career took a blow when he injured his cruciate knee-ligament<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-03-08 |title=South Africa's Heinrich Brussow ruled out for season with knee injury|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/08/heinrich-brussow-injury-south-africa |access-date=2023-12-08 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> in a [[Super Rugby|Super 14]] game against the [[Hurricanes (rugby union)|Hurricanes]], which kept him from international rugby till August 2011. For the Cheetahs in the 2011 super rugby season Brussow was part of the Cheetahs team that finished 11th in the table. The cheetahs won five and lost eleven games that season which showed that they were not at their best. However they produced some wonderful wins against the [[New South Wales Waratahs|Waratahs]] and the [[Brumbies]]. In the 2011 tri-nations Brüssow only came in at the third game against eventual champions [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]. South Africa lost the match 14–9. South Africa had nothing much to play for in final test against New Zealand but they could certainly spoil the party for the All Blacks. Brüssow put up a Man-of-the-Match winning performance and South Africa beat the All Blacks by 18–5.

⚫
He returned to international competition on 13 August 2011 against Australia: He played for a short stint from the bench where he showed he still had the full ability which made him so popular in 2009.<ref>http://sport.iafrica.com/rugby/news/747735.html iAfrica.com:Brussow to steal the show</ref> On 20 August Heinrich Brüssow gave a Man-of-the-Match display of his skills as the [[Springboks]] managed to defeat their arch-enemies, the All Blacks in [[Port Elizabeth]].<ref>http://sport.iafrica.com/news/747805.html iAfrica.com:Boks come to the party</ref>


⚫
Brüssow played the first game against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] which South Africa won 17–16 and against [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]] which the boks also won 49–3. However against [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]], Alberts was favoured to Brüssow in the starting line up which meant Brüssow had to drop to the bench. South Africa won the game and Brüssow restored his place in the starting line up against [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]] which South Africa won to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. In the quarter-finals Brussow started against Australia. South Africa lost the game 11–9 and were knocked out of the competition. In the summer internationals, Brüssow was shockingly dropped from the team with new South Africa coach [[Heyneke Meyer]] preferring [[Marcell Coetzee]]. Even without Brüssow's commitment, South Africa won the series against England with a win in the first test 22–17, second test 36–27 but were held to a draw in the third test 14–14.
⚫
Early March 2010 Brüssow's career took a blow when he injured his cruciate knee-ligament<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/08/heinrich-brussow-injury-south-africa Guardian.co.uk</ref> in a [[Super Rugby|Super 14]] game against the [[Hurricanes (rugby union)|Hurricanes]], which kept him from international rugby till August 2011. For the Cheetahs in the 2011 super rugby season Brussow was part of the Cheetahs team that finished 11th in the table. The cheetahs won five and lost eleven games that season which showed that they were not at their best. However they produced some wonderful wins against the [[New South Wales Waratahs|Waratahs]] and the [[Brumbies]]. In the 2011 tri nations Brüssow only came in at the third game against eventual champions [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]. South Africa lost the match 14–9. South Africa had nothing much to play for in final test against New Zealand but they could certainly spoil the party for the All Blacks. Brüssow put up a Man-of-the-Match winning performance and South Africa beat the All Blacks by 18–5.


⚫
In 2013, it was announced that he would play for a team in the Japanese [[Top League]] for the 2013–2014 season – later revealed as [[NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes]]<ref name="2013年度 新加入予定選手のお知らせ">{{cite web | url=http://docomo-rugby.jp/information/2013/0710_01.html | script-title=ja:2013年度 新加入予定選手のお知らせ | work=NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes | date=10 July 2013 | access-date=11 July 2013 | language=ja}}</ref> – but he would return to play for the {{Rut|Cheetahs}} in the [[2014 Super Rugby season]].<ref name="Brüssow heading for Japan">{{cite web | url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super15/Brussow-heading-for-Japan-20130620 | title=Brüssow heading for Japan | work=Sport24 | date=20 June 2013 | access-date=20 June 2013}}</ref>
⚫
He returned to international competition on 13 August 2011 against Australia: He played for a short stint from the bench where he showed he still had the full ability which made him so popular in 2009.<ref>http://sport.iafrica.com/rugby/news/747735.html iAfrica.com:Brussow to steal the show</ref> On 20 August Heinrich Brüssow gave a Man-of-the-Match display of his skills as the [[Springboks]] managed to defeat their arch-enemies, the All Blacks in [[Port Elizabeth]].<ref>http://sport.iafrica.com/news/747805.html iAfrica.com:Boks come to the party</ref>


In January 2018, he joined [[Premiership Rugby|English Premiership]] side [[Northampton Saints]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41254306|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Northampton Saints: South Africa flanker Heinrich Brussow to join Premiership club in January 2018|date=13 September 2017}}</ref>
⚫
Brüssow played the first game against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] which South Africa won 17–16 and against [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]] which the boks also won 49–3. However against [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]], Alberts was favoured to Brüssow in the starting line up which meant Brüssow had to drop to the bench. South Africa won the game and Brüssow restored his place in the starting line up against [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]] which South Africa won to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. In the quarter-finals Brussow started against Australia. South Africa lost the game 11–9 and were knocked out of the competition. In the summer internationals Brüssow was shockingly dropped from the team with new South Africa coach [[Heyneke Meyer]] preferring [[Marcell Coetzee]]. Even without Brüssow's commitment, South Africa won the series against England with a win in the first test 22–17, second test 36–27 but where held to a draw in the third test 14–14.


He announced his retirement from all forms of professional rugby on Wednesday 23 October 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/news/saints-flanker-heinrich-brussow-announces-retirement-from-professional-rugby | title=Saints flanker Heinrich Brüssow announces retirement from professional rugby }}</ref>
⚫
In 2013, it was announced that he would play for a team in the Japanese [[Top League]] for the 2013–2014 season – later revealed as [[NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes]]<ref name="2013年度 新加入予定選手のお知らせ">{{cite web | url=http://docomo-rugby.jp/information/2013/0710_01.html | script-title=ja:2013年度 新加入予定選手のお知らせ | work=NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes | date=10 July 2013 | accessdate=11 July 2013 | language=Japanese}}</ref> – but he would return to play for the {{Rut Cheetahs}} in the [[2014 Super Rugby season]].<ref name="Brüssow heading for Japan">{{cite web | url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super15/Brussow-heading-for-Japan-20130620 | title=Brüssow heading for Japan | work=Sport24 | date=20 June 2013 | accessdate=20 June 2013}}</ref>


==Squads==
==Squads==
*2013
*2013
** [[Central Cheetahs|Toyota Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby]])
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby]])
*2012
*2012
** [[Free State Cheetahs|Toyota Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Free State Cheetahs|Toyota Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Central Cheetahs|Toyota Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby]])
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby]])
*2011
*2011
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[2011 Rugby World Cup]])<ref>http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-23-no-surprises-in-world-cup-bok-squad/ Mail & Guardian: No surprises in World Cup Squad</ref>
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[2011 Rugby World Cup]])<ref>http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-23-no-surprises-in-world-cup-bok-squad/ Mail & Guardian: No surprises in World Cup Squad</ref>
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[Tri Nations (rugby union)]])
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[Tri Nations (rugby union)]])
** [[Free State Cheetahs|Toyota Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Free State Cheetahs|Toyota Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Central Cheetahs|Toyota Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]]) – Re-injured March 2011
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]]) – Re-injured March 2011
*2010
*2010
** [[Central Cheetahs|Vodacom Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]]) – Injured March 2010
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]]) – Injured March 2010
*2009
*2009
** [[Springboks]] spring tour squad ([[France national rugby union team|France]], [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] & [[Irish national rugby union team|Ireland]])
** [[Springboks]] spring tour squad ([[France national rugby union team|France]], [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] & [[Irish national rugby union team|Ireland]])
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[British and Irish Lions]] Tour)
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[British & Irish Lions]] Tour)
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[Tri Nations (rugby union)]])
** [[Springboks]] squad ([[Tri Nations (rugby union)]])
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] ([[British and Irish Lions]] Tour)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] ([[British & Irish Lions]] Tour)
** [[Central Cheetahs|Vodacom Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]])
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom [[Super Rugby|Super 14]])
*2008
*2008
** [[Springboks]] spring tour squad (British Isles)
** [[Springboks]] spring tour squad (British Isles)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Central Cheetahs|Vodacom Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Super 14)
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Super 14)
*2007
*2007
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Cup)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Cup)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** [[Central Cheetahs|Vodacom Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Super 14)
** [[Cheetahs (rugby union)|Cheetahs]] (Vodacom Super 14)
*2006
*2006
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
** Vodacom [[Free State Cheetahs]] (ABSA [[Currie Cup]] Premier Division)
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==Influential Games==
==Influential Games==
{{BLP unsourced section|date=December 2016}}
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=December 2016}}


=== 2009 ===
=== 2009 ===
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* 25 July 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks I: Although being targeted, Brüssow battled competently against [[Richie McCaw]], who is widely considered the best open-side flanker in the world. He made a number of crucial turn-overs and tackles. He was named Man-of-the-Match in the 28–19 victory.
* 25 July 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks I: Although being targeted, Brüssow battled competently against [[Richie McCaw]], who is widely considered the best open-side flanker in the world. He made a number of crucial turn-overs and tackles. He was named Man-of-the-Match in the 28–19 victory.
*1 August 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks II: Continuing to build on his reputation, Brüssow again managed to compete with the All Black captain Richie McCaw at the breakdown. He once again made a number of crucial turnovers, tackles and powerful runs as the Boks won 31–19.
*1 August 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks II: Continuing to build on his reputation, Brüssow again managed to compete with the All Black captain Richie McCaw at the breakdown. He once again made a number of crucial turnovers, tackles and powerful runs as the Boks won 31–19.
*8 August 2009 : South Africa vs [[Wallabies]] I: Brüssow was once again in outstanding form for the Springboks as his ruck work, brutal hits and ball-carrying led South Africa to victory over Australia. His opposite number [[George Smith (rugby union)|George Smith]], also considered one of the best in world rugby, could not cut it with Brüssow, and his frustration led to a yellow card.
*8 August 2009 : South Africa vs [[Wallabies (rugby union)|Wallabies]] I: Brüssow was once again in outstanding form for the Springboks as his ruck work, brutal hits and ball-carrying led South Africa to victory over Australia. His opposite number [[George Smith (rugby union)|George Smith]], also considered one of the best in world rugby, could not cut it with Brüssow, and his frustration led to a yellow card.
*13 November 2009 : South Africa vs France: It was a grey evening for the men in green, as they were out-muscled by France 20–13. Brüssow, though, stood up and kept the Springboks in the match with several vital turnovers and tackles. Even though it was a defeat, the match in [[Toulouse]] was considered Brüssow's best in a test jersey up to that stage, and was named SA Rugby young player of the year.
*13 November 2009 : South Africa vs France: It was a grey evening for the men in green, as they were out-muscled by France 20–13. Brüssow, though, stood up and kept the Springboks in the match with several vital turnovers and tackles. Even though it was a defeat, the match in [[Toulouse]] was considered Brüssow's best in a test jersey up to that stage, and was named SA Rugby young player of the year.


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==Tournament Winner Medals==
==Tournament Winner Medals==
{| class="wikitable" cellpadding="3" border="1"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| colspan="4" align="center" | '''Tournament Winner'''
| colspan="4" align="center" | '''Tournament Winner'''
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|2009||[[2009 Tri Nations Series|Tri Nations]]||[[Springboks]]||Openside Flanker
|2009||[[2009 Tri Nations Series|Tri Nations]]||[[Springboks]]||Openside Flanker
|- align="left"
|- align="left"
|2009||[[British and Irish Lions]]||[[Springboks]]||Openside Flanker
|2009||[[British & Irish Lions]]||[[Springboks]]||Openside Flanker
|- align="left"
|- align="left"
|2007||[[2007 Currie Cup Premier Division|Currie Cup]]||[[Free State Cheetahs]]||Openside Flanker
|2007||[[2007 Currie Cup Premier Division|Currie Cup]]||[[Free State Cheetahs]]||Openside Flanker
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**{''nominee''} ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year
**{''nominee''} ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year


==Playing Style==
==Playing style==


Heinrich Brüssow is well known in South Africa because of his immense and unstoppable work at the breakdowns and in the scrums. He was selected for the South African team due to his excellent work performances. He was also admired by many when he outfought [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] captain [[Richie McCaw]] in two of their duels, one which South Africa won 18–5.
Heinrich Brüssow is well known in South Africa because of his immense and unstoppable work at the breakdowns and in the scrums. He was selected for the South African team due to his excellent work performances. He was also admired by many when he outplayed [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] captain [[Richie McCaw]] in all of their duels, one of which South Africa won 18–5.

==Transfer Rumours==
In January 2012 there was a rumour that Brüssow may join Ireland pro 12 team Ulster Rugby, but Brussow eventually stayed with the Cheetahs.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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* {{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=35550 | name=Heinrich Brüssow | date=4 June 2016}}
* {{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=35550 | name=Heinrich Brüssow | date=4 June 2016}}
* [http://www.genslin.us/bokke/PlayerData.aspx?PlayerID=744 Genslin.us: Springbok Hall of Fame]
* [http://www.genslin.us/bokke/PlayerData.aspx?PlayerID=744 Genslin.us: Springbok Hall of Fame]
* {{ESPNscrum|86893}}
* [http://www.scrum.com/southafrica/rugby/player/86893.html ESPN Scrum.com Profile]
* [http://www.sarugby.com/news/Player/pid=983.html SARugby.com Profile]
* [http://www.sarugby.com/news/Player/pid=983.html SARugby.com Profile]
* [http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/player/0,25958,16073_5388841,00.html Sky Sport Profile]
* [http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/player/0,25958,16073_5388841,00.html Sky Sport Profile]
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* [http://www.zimbio.com/Heinrich+Brussow Zimbio news,information and photos]
* [http://www.zimbio.com/Heinrich+Brussow Zimbio news,information and photos]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby-heroes/displayhero.asp?HeroID=5691 Sporting Heroes profile]
* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby-heroes/displayhero.asp?HeroID=5691 Sporting Heroes profile]
* [http://www.ofm.co.za/sport.asp?NID=1638 OFM: Speler Profiel]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111005071945/http://www.ofm.co.za/sport.asp?NID=1638 OFM: Speler Profiel]


{{NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes squad}}
{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes
|title = Squads
|title = Squads
|list1 =
|list1 =
{{2015 South Africa outgoing tours squad}}
{{2015 South Africa Rugby Championship squad}}
{{2014 Free State XV Vodacom Cup squad}}
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{{2012 Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup squad}}
{{South Africa Squad 2011 Rugby World Cup}}
{{South Africa Squad 2011 Rugby World Cup}}
{{2011 South Africa Tri Nations squad}}
{{2009 South Africa Tri Nations squad}}
{{2005–2006 South Africa IRB Sevens World Series squad}}
}}
}}


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[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:South African rugby union players]]
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[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
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[[Category:Rugby union flankers]]
[[Category:Afrikaner people]]
[[Category:Afrikaner people]]
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Bloemfontein]]
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[[Category:Free State Cheetahs players]]
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[[Category:Cheetahs (rugby union) players]]
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[[Category:NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes players]]
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[[Category:White South African people]]
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[[Category:University of the Free State alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of Grey College, Bloemfontein]]
[[Category:Alumni of Grey College, Bloemfontein]]
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]
[[Category:Cheetahs (rugby union) players]]
[[Category:South African expatriates in Japan]]
[[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]
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[[Category:Free State Cheetahs players]]
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[[Category:NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka players]]
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[[Category:Rugby union flankers]]
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[[Category:Rugby union players from Bloemfontein]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby sevens players]]
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[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
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[[Category:South African expatriates in Japan]]
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[[Category:South African rugby union players]]
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[[Category:University of the Free State alumni]]
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[[Category:2011 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:Northampton Saints players]]
[[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in England]]

Latest revision as of 12:37, 20 September 2024

Heinrich Brüssow
Full nameHeinrich Wilhelm Brüssow
Date of birth (1986-07-21) 21 July 1986 (age 38)
Place of birthBloemfontein, South Africa
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight108 kg (17 st 0 lb; 238 lb)
SchoolGrey College, Bloemfontein
UniversityUniversity of the Free State
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Current team Northampton Saints
Youth career
2004–2005 Free State Cheetahs
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006–2014 Free State Cheetahs 61 (125)
2007–2015 Cheetahs 82 (45)
2013–2018 NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes 27 (25)
2018–2020 Northampton Saints 20 (20)
Correct as of 24 September 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2004 South Africa Schools
2006 South Africa Sevens
2008–11, 2015 South Africa 22 (5)
2014 Barbarians 2 (5)
Correct as of 24 September 2023

Heinrich Wilhelm Brüssow (born 21 July 1986) is a South African former professional rugby union player. His usual position was as open-side flanker and his most recent club was Northampton Saints in the English Premiership.

He played for the Free State Cheetahs in domestic South African rugby between 2006 and 2014, for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby between 2007 and 2015 and also represented South Africa between 2008 and 2015 and for the South Africa Sevens team in 2006.

Early career

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Born 21 July 1986 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Heinrich Brüssow attended Grey College in Bloemfontein where he played in the First XV and was later selected for the Under-18 Free State Craven Week side. Brüssow was part of the Free State Cheetahs squad who shared the Currie Cup glory in 2006 with the Blue Bulls, before playing in the 2007 Currie Cup final against the Golden Lions, scoring a crucial try and helping the team to a 20–18 win. In 2008 he was voted best open-side flanker in the Super 14 and Currie Cup. This earned him a call-up to the Springboks squad for the November 2008 tour to the British Isles. He only played the final 4 minutes in the end-of-tour test against England.

Professional career

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In 2009, Brüssow was again a flanker in the Super 14 competition. However, selectors excluded him from the Springboks squad. Soon afterwards he played for the Free State Cheetahs against the British & Irish Lions team; Brüssow was finally called up for Schalk Burger, who failed to recover from an injury for the first test against the Lions.[1][2] He received the Man-of-the-Match award in the Springboks' win against the All Blacks on 25 July 2009.[3] Brüssow once again featured in a Currie Cup final in 2009, but the Free State Cheetahs lost to a hungry Blue Bulls team.

Early March 2010 Brüssow's career took a blow when he injured his cruciate knee-ligament[4] in a Super 14 game against the Hurricanes, which kept him from international rugby till August 2011. For the Cheetahs in the 2011 super rugby season Brussow was part of the Cheetahs team that finished 11th in the table. The cheetahs won five and lost eleven games that season which showed that they were not at their best. However they produced some wonderful wins against the Waratahs and the Brumbies. In the 2011 tri-nations Brüssow only came in at the third game against eventual champions Australia. South Africa lost the match 14–9. South Africa had nothing much to play for in final test against New Zealand but they could certainly spoil the party for the All Blacks. Brüssow put up a Man-of-the-Match winning performance and South Africa beat the All Blacks by 18–5.

He returned to international competition on 13 August 2011 against Australia: He played for a short stint from the bench where he showed he still had the full ability which made him so popular in 2009.[5] On 20 August Heinrich Brüssow gave a Man-of-the-Match display of his skills as the Springboks managed to defeat their arch-enemies, the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth.[6]

Brüssow played the first game against Wales which South Africa won 17–16 and against Fiji which the boks also won 49–3. However against Namibia, Alberts was favoured to Brüssow in the starting line up which meant Brüssow had to drop to the bench. South Africa won the game and Brüssow restored his place in the starting line up against Samoa which South Africa won to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. In the quarter-finals Brussow started against Australia. South Africa lost the game 11–9 and were knocked out of the competition. In the summer internationals, Brüssow was shockingly dropped from the team with new South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer preferring Marcell Coetzee. Even without Brüssow's commitment, South Africa won the series against England with a win in the first test 22–17, second test 36–27 but were held to a draw in the third test 14–14.

In 2013, it was announced that he would play for a team in the Japanese Top League for the 2013–2014 season – later revealed as NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes[7] – but he would return to play for the Cheetahs in the 2014 Super Rugby season.[8]

In January 2018, he joined English Premiership side Northampton Saints.[9]

He announced his retirement from all forms of professional rugby on Wednesday 23 October 2019.[10]

Squads

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Influential Games

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2009

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  • 20 June 2009 : South Africa vs British and Irish Lions I: Heinrich Brüssow replaces injured Schalk Burger in the starting line-up. His ball-stealing and recovering skills proved too much for the Lions. When he was replaced in the second half, the Lions managed to fight back, but not enough to win the game. Scored a try from the back of a maul and was outstanding as they went on to secure a 2–1 series victory.
  • 27 June 2009 : South Africa vs Lions II: Brüssow came on in the 62nd minute and effected a few crucial turn-overs helping seal the 28–25 victory for the South Africans.
  • 25 July 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks I: Although being targeted, Brüssow battled competently against Richie McCaw, who is widely considered the best open-side flanker in the world. He made a number of crucial turn-overs and tackles. He was named Man-of-the-Match in the 28–19 victory.
  • 1 August 2009 : South Africa vs All Blacks II: Continuing to build on his reputation, Brüssow again managed to compete with the All Black captain Richie McCaw at the breakdown. He once again made a number of crucial turnovers, tackles and powerful runs as the Boks won 31–19.
  • 8 August 2009 : South Africa vs Wallabies I: Brüssow was once again in outstanding form for the Springboks as his ruck work, brutal hits and ball-carrying led South Africa to victory over Australia. His opposite number George Smith, also considered one of the best in world rugby, could not cut it with Brüssow, and his frustration led to a yellow card.
  • 13 November 2009 : South Africa vs France: It was a grey evening for the men in green, as they were out-muscled by France 20–13. Brüssow, though, stood up and kept the Springboks in the match with several vital turnovers and tackles. Even though it was a defeat, the match in Toulouse was considered Brüssow's best in a test jersey up to that stage, and was named SA Rugby young player of the year.

2011

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  • 20 August 2011: After a lengthy injury lay-off, Brüssow returned to the international stage in the Springboks' final two Tri Nations matches of the 2011 season. After a short stint against Australia (13 August 2011), he played a full game against New Zealand All Blacks. With a first-off whitewash on the cards, Brüssow's fetching skills would be vital, in order for the Boks to gain some momentum before the (RWC World Cup 2011). Brüssow delivered a Man-of-the-Match winning performance. One that saw him make some fantastic and crucial turnovers, immense tackles and ball carries while going through an enormous amount of donkey work and taking a boot to the face for his efforts. Brüssow ended the game with a bloodied, pockmarked face and bandage, but most probably assured his place in Peter de Villiers' plans for rugby's greatest stage in New Zealand, the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
  • 9 October 2011: After South Africa progress to the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup they lose 11–9 in Wellington to be knocked out of the competition.

Tournament Winner Medals

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Tournament Winner
Year Tournament Team Position
2009 Tri Nations Springboks Openside Flanker
2009 British & Irish Lions Springboks Openside Flanker
2007 Currie Cup Free State Cheetahs Openside Flanker
2006 Currie Cup Free State Cheetahs Squad Member
2004 Craven Week Free State U/18 Openside Flanker


Awards

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  • 2011
    • South Africa medal for reaching quarter final
  • 2009[12]
    • SA Rugby Young Player of the Year
    • Provincial Player of the Castle SA 2009 Lions Series
    • {nominee} SA Player of the Year
  • 2008[12]
    • {nominee} Sasol Young Player of the Year
    • {nominee} ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year

Playing style

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Heinrich Brüssow is well known in South Africa because of his immense and unstoppable work at the breakdowns and in the scrums. He was selected for the South African team due to his excellent work performances. He was also admired by many when he outplayed New Zealand captain Richie McCaw in all of their duels, one of which South Africa won 18–5.

References

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  1. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8100972.stm BBC: Brüssow handed Springboks start
  2. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/06/16/rugby.lions.springboks.test/index.html CNN: Springboks call for flanker Brüssow
  3. ^ "Pocket rocket to plague All Blacks". New Zealand: Stuff. 28 July 2009. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  4. ^ "South Africa's Heinrich Brussow ruled out for season with knee injury". The Guardian. 8 March 2010. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  5. ^ http://sport.iafrica.com/rugby/news/747735.html iAfrica.com:Brussow to steal the show
  6. ^ http://sport.iafrica.com/news/747805.html iAfrica.com:Boks come to the party
  7. ^ 2013年度 新加入予定選手のお知らせ. NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes (in Japanese). 10 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  8. ^ "Brüssow heading for Japan". Sport24. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Northampton Saints: South Africa flanker Heinrich Brussow to join Premiership club in January 2018". BBC Sport. 13 September 2017.
  10. ^ "Saints flanker Heinrich Brüssow announces retirement from professional rugby".
  11. ^ http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-23-no-surprises-in-world-cup-bok-squad/ Mail & Guardian: No surprises in World Cup Squad
  12. ^ a b "SA Rugby Player Profile – Heinrich Brüssow". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
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