Former Springbok captain, Bobby Skinstad, recently participated in a compelling interview with Dodge Woodall, the founder of the Bournemouth 7s Festival. The 85-minute conversation covered various aspects of Skinstad’s life, including a particularly eerie experience with a psychic that continues to haunt him.
Skinstad shared insights into his upbringing in South Africa following his family’s departure from Zimbabwe, his encounters with racism, and his memorable car crash in 1999 after a heated altercation with Justin Marshall. He also discussed his intense rivalry with Rassie Erasmus in the Springboks back row, his decision to leave the UK at the peak of his rugby career, and his thoughts on whether Siya Kolisi could pursue a political career post-rugby.
The interview also addressed Skinstad’s perspective on winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the heartbreaking experience of being dropped from the final match against England after playing in the quarter-final and semi-final. He also mentioned a brief consideration of purchasing Gloucester Rugby Club before ultimately deciding against it due to the challenging business model.
One of the most captivating aspects of the interview was Skinstad’s unsettling encounter with a psychic. He recounted how a friend convinced him to consult a psychic who made a prediction that sent shivers down his spine. The psychic foresaw his return to elite-level rugby culminating in a triumphant victory with the Springboks, despite his skepticism.
Skinstad had suffered an injury that kept him from participating in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, prompting a brief stint with the Dragons in Wales before moving to London to pursue business opportunities and play rugby at the grassroots level with Richmond. During a visit back to South Africa, a friend persuaded him to seek advice from a psychic, an experience that left a lasting impression on Skinstad.
The psychic’s prediction of a World Cup victory for South Africa seemed implausible to Skinstad at the time, given the circumstances and the lack of faith in the coaching setup. However, to his surprise, the psychic’s foresight turned out to be accurate, leading to a profoundly unsettling revelation for Skinstad.
This captivating interview provided a unique and thought-provoking insight into the life of Bobby Skinstad, shedding light on personal experiences and encounters that continue to impact him to this day.
To listen to the full interview with Bobby Skinstad, click here and prepare to be captivated by his extraordinary journey as shared on Eventful Lives with Dodge Woodall.