Springbok Star Kwagga Smith Reveals the Hilarious Story Behind His Unique Name
- The Springbok star has a name that rugby supporters know well, but its origins go back to an unexpected family moment
- His older brother made the decision before he was old enough to have a say in the matter
- An encounter with American hunters on a family farm helped give South African rugby one of its most recognisable nicknames
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South African rugby supporters know him as Kwagga Smith, but the Springbok star's actual name is Albertus Stefanus Smith. The popular loose forward recently shared the hilarious story behind his nickname, explaining how his older brother unknowingly gave him a name that would follow him throughout his life and rugby career.
Smith shared the funny family story during an appearance on Breakfast with Martin Bester on Jacaranda FM on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. The conversation began when presenter Martin Bester pointed out that his guest's actual name was Albertus Stefanus.
Co-presenter Philicity Reeken admitted that she had always assumed Kwagga was his real name.
Kwagga Smith's real name surprises Jacaranda FM presenters
"Your name is not actually Kwagga. I know that sounds ridiculous, but no, it's Africa. People have different names. I've always assumed that your name is actually Kwagga," Reeken said.
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Smith laughed off the assumption, responding:
"No, you're probably the same as 99% of everyone else."
Co-presenter Xola Ntshinga then asked whether his brother had given him the nickname.
"Yeah, that's correct," Smith confirmed.
American hunters helped inspire Kwagga Smith's nickname
Smith explained that the story began on the very night he was born. His older brother was staying with their parents, who were on a game farm with their grandparents.
"My brother gave it to me the night I was born. He stayed with my parents on the game farm, with my grandparents," Smith explained.
He then described how a group of American hunters became involved in the unusual naming story.
"And then there were American hunters, and they asked my granddad to ask him, listen, what's your brother's name going to be?"
Smith explained that his brother had grown up on the farm and was familiar with animals. He also enjoyed watching films.
"He grew up on the farm. He just obviously watched movies and watched animals and stuff like that. And he just said, no, his name is going to be Kwagga," he recalled.
How the nickname became part of his identity
The decision was quickly embraced by his grandparents, who began using the name when the family returned.
"And then we got back and then my grandpa and my grandmom started calling me Kwagga. And then, yeah, it stuck," Smith said.
What started as his older brother's spontaneous suggestion eventually became the name rugby supporters around the world recognised.
The story offers a heartwarming glimpse into the Springbok forward's childhood, showing how a simple family moment can leave a lasting mark on someone's identity.
Watch the video below:
Kwagga Smith ends eight-year Japan stay before Bulls move
Briefly News previously reported that Kwagga Smith had parted ways with Japanese club Shizuoka Blue Revs after eight years. The club confirmed the departure on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, ending an important chapter of his career.
His exit sparked interest in his next move, particularly after the Bulls confirmed their interest in reuniting him with former Lions coach Johan Ackermann.
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Source: Briefly News
