Riaan van Straaten - 2026 Deadly Dozen World Championships in London

The Leopards head coach, Riaan van Straaten, is set to swap the rugby fields in Potchefstroom for the global fitness arena when he heads to London in September to compete at the 2026 Deadly Dozen World Championships. Van Straaten is one of only seven South Africans to qualify in his division for the prestigious event and will compete in the Masters Solo. The accomplished athlete is currently ranked ninth in the world in his age category of 40 to 44 years, placing him among the sport’s elite competitors. Speaking to OFM Sport, Van Straaten said qualifying for the World Championships was a major milestone and one that exceeded even his own expectations.