Manie Libbok and a deeper look into the rising journey defining his rugby excellence
Manie Libbok's rugby career is often described as a fairytale. After a standout performance during his high school rugby days, his start as a professional player paled in comparison. That changed when he joined the DHL Stormers and "Magical Manie" was born.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Manie Libbok's profile summary
- Manie Libbok's biography
- Fast facts about Manie Libbok
Key takeaways
- Manie Libbok's current club is the Japanese-based Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.
- He played for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and Western Province in the Currie Cup.
- Internationally, he represents South Africa.
Manie Libbok's profile summary
Full name | Immanuel Libbok |
Date of birth | 15 July 1997 |
Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
Birth sign | Cancer |
Place of birth | Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Current residence | George, Western Cape, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Religion | Christianity |
Ethnicity | Coloured |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 m) |
Weight | 167.5 lb (76 kg) - estimated |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Hair colour | Brown |
Gender | Male |
Orientation | Heterosexual |
Marital status | Engaged |
Partner | Verna-Lee Arries |
Children | None |
Education | Hoërskool Outeniqua |
Profession | Rugby player |
Positions | Fly-half, fullback |
Number | 10 |
Teams | Blue Bulls, Sharks, Stormers |
Manie Libbok's biography
Immanuel "Manie" Libbok is a South African rugby player. He comes from a modest, rural background in the Eastern Cape and speaks Afrikaans.
How old is Manie Libbok?
Born on 15 July 1997, Maine is 28 years old as of 2025, and his zodiac sign is Cancer.
Is Manie Libbok coloured?
The Springboks rugby player is described as coloured, an identity that reflects his background as a poor, Afrikaans-speaking, rural child from South Africa's Eastern Cape. His emergence is seen as a symbol of transformation in South African rugby.
Source: Original
Who are Manie Libbok's parents
While there is no information on his dad, his upbringing involved his mother, Lena Libbok, and his great-grandmother, affectionately called "Ouma."
So, growing up, the two women were the most important members of Manie Libbok's family, instilling in him values of hard work and faith, as noted in a family tribute after Ouma's passing in 2023. The player shared about his grandmother's demise in a Facebook post.
Manie Libbok's education
The Stormers' fly-half first attended Daniel Pienaar Technical High School in Uitenhage and transferred to Hoërskool Outeniqua in George, Eastern Cape, in 2014 while in Grade 11. In an interview with The Insider SA, the player mentioned that he has a Diploma in Coaching Science, but did not mention where he studied.
Manie Libbok's career history
Libbok is confirmed to be playing for the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan's Rugby League One for the 2025/26 season, a highly lucrative deal.
The move allows him a sabbatical from the Stormers, a chance to earn life-changing money and recover from knocks, extending his playing career. In Japan, he'll be training and playing alongside world-class halfbacks, Quade Cooper and Will Genia, offering invaluable experience.
The Stormers granted him permission, expressing pride and an open invitation for his return, though his long-term commitment to the Cape side remains to be fully defined. This stint in Japan aims to develop his game further, building on his strong distribution skills and experience with the Springboks.
What is Manie Libbok's background?
Manie started his rugby career in high school. In 2013, he represented the Eastern Province at the Under-16 Khomo Week and scored against the Golden Lions and the Blue Bulls.
The player was also part of the South Africa Schools team that competed in the 2015 Under-18 International Series. He played an integral role in the victories against Wales and England.
Source: Getty Images
Did Manie Libbok play for the Bulls?
Libbok played for the Bulls (Vodacom Bulls/Blue Bulls) after high school, joining in 2016. He made many Super Rugby and Currie Cup appearances before moving to the Sharks in 2020 for more game time and a style of play that suited him better. Manie was a key junior talent for them, representing SA Schools and U-20s while with the union.
Did Manie Libbok play for the Sharks?
Manie Libbok played for the Cell C Sharks (now just the Sharks) from 2020 to 2021, joining them from the Vodacom Bulls and thriving in their exciting attacking system before moving to the Stormers. He was a versatile player for the Sharks, comfortable at fullback, flyhalf, centre, and wing, known for his attacking style.
Did Manie Libbok play for the Springboks?
Libbok has played extensively for the Springboks, making his debut in late 2022 against France, starting in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He has become a key fly-half and a regular feature, earning praise for his dynamic play and contributing to their World Cup-winning squad.
Has Manie Libbok won any awards?
Libbok has won several rugby awards, including:
- SASA Newcomer of the Year (2024) with the Springboks and Stormers.
- SA Rugby URC Player of the Season (2022-23).
- URC Fans' Player of the Season (2023) for his leading role in the Stormers' campaign.
- DHL Stormers Player of the Year (2022), which he shared with Evan Roos.
What's more, his commendable team achievements (with Stormers & Springboks) include:
- United Rugby Championship (URC) Winner: 2021-2022 with the Stormers.
- Rugby World Cup Winner: 2023 with the Springboks.
- Rugby Championship Winner: 2024 & 2025 with the Springboks.
Source: Getty Images
What are Manie Libbok's strengths?
Manie Libbok's primary strengths lie in his attacking prowess, playmaking vision, and versatile kicking game. He is considered a modern, three-dimensional fly-half who can control the tempo of a match and create opportunities for his teammates.
Manie Libbok's salary and net worth
Manie Libbok's specific salary and net worth aren't public, but as a key Springbok flyhalf, he earns well within the R200,000 to millions range for top players, likely boosted by his move to Japan's lucrative league and endorsements, though exact figures remain private.
Is Manie Libbok married?
Libbok is married to his high school sweetheart, Verna-Lee Libbok (née Arries). The couple met at Hoërskool Outeniqua. He proposed to her on 1 July 2023 after dating for seven years.
According to Woman&Home magazine, the duo fondly described their early connection to The Insider SA, with Verna saying:
He was very shy and quiet, and I’m very bubbly.
Maine, on his part, said:
She caught my eye from the word go. I just wanted to be closer to her.
Manie and Verna tied the knot on 6 October 2024 in a private ceremony in Mossel Bay, South Africa, and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in October 2025.
Source: UGC
Manie Libbok's wife is an educator by profession and has been described by Libbok as his "pillar of support." Verna admitted that being married to a Stormers and Springbok player means adapting to constant attention, but she remains grounded.
Who are Manie Libbok's children?
Libbok does not currently have publicly known children; recent news focuses on his marriage to Verna-Lee, but no mention of his own kids has surfaced in major reports.
Who is the fastest Springbok rugby player?
Tonderai Chavhanga is often cited as the fastest Springbok in history, reportedly achieving a verified 100m time of 10.27 seconds. He played four matches for the national team as a winger.
Manie Libbok's weight and height
Manie Libbok's height is around 1.80 m (5 feet 11 inches), and his weight is around 167.5 lb (76 kg).
Fast facts about Manie Libbok
- Libbok can kick equally well with both his left and right feet.
- He can adjust his kicking foot based on where the defender is rushing.
- He struggled for a consistent starting role at the Bulls and Sharks,
- He thrived under coach John Dobson at the Stormers because the coach gave him confidence.
- Libbok spends his free time watching other matches.
- He is an exceptionally dedicated student of the game, often described by coaches as a "rugby anorak."
Manie Libbok has a bright future in rugby, building on a successful club career and his status as a World Cup winner. Despite facing significant pressure and criticism regarding his goal-kicking consistency at times, particularly with the Springboks, he has shown resilience and a commitment to improving that aspect of his game.
Briefly.co.za published Jean Kleyn's rugby career. He is a tall rugby star playing as a lock for the Springboks and previously played for Ireland internationally.
Jean has achieved major success with both national teams and Munster Rugby, winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup with the Boks. He also qualified for Ireland through residency while playing for Munster, earning 5 caps and playing in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Source: Briefly News
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Nompumelelo Ngubeni (Lifestyle writer) Nompumelelo Ngubeni is an editor of Lifestyle content with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Honours Language Practice from North-West University (2016). She has over 8 years of experience in proofreading, research, subtitling, and editing. Strong media and communication professional. Nompumelelo joined Briefly News in 2022. Email: nompumelelongubeni@ymail.com
