It’s not every day that a young man’s success changes the loyalties of an entire neighborhood.
But that’s exactly what has happened with Canan Moodie.
The 23-year-old rugby star’s rise to the Springboks has left his hometown of Paarl buzzing, with even die-hard All Blacks fans switching sides.
A Brother’s Pride
In a touching post on X (formerly Twitter), Canan’s older brother Keanu admitted he was struggling to put into words just how proud he was.
With South Africa preparing for a massive clash against New Zealand on Saturday, 6 September, Keanu reflected on how far his brother has come.
He wrote about their childhood mornings spent watching Springboks versus All Blacks matches with their father, waiting in excitement for the haka.
Now, he said, it feels almost unreal that his brother will be on the field facing the very team they once watched in awe.
“So many All Blacks supporters in our neighborhood have switched because Canan is playing for the Springboks,” Keanu shared.
For him, seeing his brother take on the All Blacks isn’t just special—it’s “a dream come true” and a chance to be part of history.
A Mother’s Inspiration
Canan’s mom, Chantel, is just as proud. She has often spoken about how remarkable it is that her son became the second-youngest Springbok ever, and the youngest to play in a Rugby World Cup.
On Facebook, she shared a heartfelt message: “Let no one and nothing stand in your way to live your dreams.
And put God at the centre of it all. What God has done for Canan, He CAN and is able to do it for you.
Never stop praying for your kids and encouraging and helping them to bring out the best in them.”
Her words struck a chord with many parents, offering not just pride but also hope and encouragement.
Streets to Springbok
Canan’s story is even more inspiring when you consider where he came from.
Growing up in Amstelof, a neighborhood near Paarl, he was surrounded by gangsterism, drugs, and crime.
Even today, he says, one of his closest neighbors runs a drug den.
His parents and older brother worked tirelessly to shield him from that life, and Canan poured himself into rugby instead.
Inspired by his brother, he started training in his yard and on the streets.
During the tough COVID-19 lockdown, a viral video showed him practicing on a tiny patch of turf—a symbol of his determination to rise above his circumstances.
Reflecting on those early years, Canan once told the Irish Examiner: “It was tough.
But when you come from a tough environment, you play the cards that you’re dealt.”
One of the Springboks’ Brightest Talents
Since making his debut in 2022, Canan Moodie has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in South African rugby.
He was part of the Springbok squad that lifted the Rugby World Cup trophy in 2023, cementing his place as one of the sport’s brightest rising stars.
For fans in Paarl and beyond, his journey is more than just about rugby—it’s proof that no matter where you start, with talent, hard work, and the right support, you can break barriers and make history.