Philip Eloff moved to the USA as a young man and immediately started to make the Chicago Lions one of the most feared teams in the Super League.

Nicknamed Thabu (likely a nod to the town of his birth, Thabazimbi, or, as we've been told, because Thabu means Happiness), Eloff was quick and hit very hard. The outside center was first capped at 21, and in that game, almost rescued a 19-12 loss when he chased a kick and was away and likely to score. He was called back for offside (at least a few of his teammates said the referee was just caught off-guard by Eloff's pace), but the play showed his ability and athleticism.

Fearless and multi-skilled, Eloff went on to play 35 times for the USA, and suited up for two Rugby World Cups. He was a huge part of a very good 2003 team, his try against Canada in Vancouver in that year helped seal a 16-11, come-from-behind victory for the Americans in hostile territory, and he was a key part of a very strong Chicago Lions team during the same period.

Philip Eloff will be remembered as one of the most dynamic, exciting, and physical backs in American rugby,

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