Canan Moodie escaped gang violence to become rugby’s rapidly rising star

South Africa’s 20-year-old back grew up next to a drug den but a supportive family and street-honed skills have changed his life.

YOUNG STAR: Canan Moodie of South Africa. Pic: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

The Springboks were awesomely good on Friday night but Canan Moodie’s story is something else again. Just 20, the exciting youngster from the Cape grew up two doors down from a drug den and had to walk up to 15km simply to attend training sessions. 

No wonder his eyes sparkle as he reflects on his remarkable journey from the edge of nowhere to trouncing the All Blacks at Twickenham.