Habana to make historic IoM visit

Legendary winger won the 2007 Rugby World Cup

One of the most iconic names in rugby will make an historic trip to the Isle of Man later this week.

Bryan Habana, who scored a record-equalling eight tries in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, touches down on Manx soil on Friday.

He lifted the trophy with the Springboks that year as they beat England 15-6 in the final at the Stade de France.

A glittering career also saw Habana add a Tri-Nations title and Lions Series win to his long list of honours, as well as back-to-back European Cups with French club side Toulon.

The 36-year-old was famed for his finishing, ability to intercept and blistering pace that set the global rugby scene alight.

It will be the Johannesburg-born winger's first ever experience of the Island where he will feature at a number of events including a training session and a black tie dinner.

Douglas-based N7 Sports has arranged the visit, as it hopes to grow the local game and inspire more people to take up rugby.

Nathan Bloch from N7 and the Island's rugby development officer, Chris Brannigan, spoke to Manx Radio Sport: