When you think of South African rugby forwards, Ryan Kankowski’s name stands out as a unique figure.
Unlike the traditional hard-hitting forwards, Kankowski was known for his exceptional speed, athleticism, and a diverse set of skills that set him apart from his peers.
A Promising Start
Kankowski first made waves in the rugby scene with the Sharks back in 2006.
He quickly became a fan favorite at Kings Park, playing a key role for nearly a decade.
His performance didn’t go unnoticed, and by the end of 2007, he had earned a spot in the Springbok squad.
A Stellar Year in 2008
His breakout year came in 2008.
Kankowski was nominated for the SA Rugby Player of the Year award and won the Super 14 and Currie Cup Player of the Year accolades.
He also featured in six Tests that year. Despite his talent, Kankowski often found himself coming off the bench.
Coaches seemed unsure of how to best utilize his skills in a time when the focus was on more traditional, physically dominant forwards.
Reflections on His Career
Over his career, Kankowski played 20 Tests for the Springboks, with his final appearance coming in 2012.
Following his international career, he moved to Japan for a few seasons.
Reflecting on his career, Kankowski once said, “My versatility could have been a curse rather than a blessing.
It’s always hard looking back, but I don’t have regrets in terms of my Springbok career.
I had some fun and worked with some brilliant players and coaches.”
Life After Rugby
Since retiring from rugby, Kankowski has ventured into property development in Cape Town and Durban.
He’s also maintained his passion for golf and has become heavily involved in the world of Esports.
“I’ve been involved with gaming for as long as I can remember,” Kankowski mentioned in an interview.
“There is stupid money in Esports at the moment. It’s a million-dollar industry which is ridiculous.”
Current Endeavors
Today, Kankowski serves as the managing director at AL&S Media, a company established in 2022.
AL&S Media specializes in innovative in-mall advertising solutions designed to engage and captivate audiences.
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