Meet Dylan “Bobby” Alexander: The scrumhalf who revolutionised Griquas rugby in 2025

THERE is a jolt of energy every time Dylan “Bobby” Alexander arrives at a breakdown. The ball is out before defenders have reset, the tempo lifted, the threat immediate. At 23, the Suzuki Griquas’ scrumhalf already plays with a maturity that belies his age, blending instinct with control in a way that has made him central to the team’s recent success.

Known throughout Kimberley simply as “Bobby” or “Bobtail”, Alexander was born on 2 November 2001 in Paarl, a town that has produced its fair share of elite rugby talent. From an early age, it was clear he belonged in rare company. His schoolboy career peaked in 2019 when he earned SA Schools honours and was named Craven Week Player of the Tournament, a distinction reserved for players who dominate against the very best in their age group.

Those performances opened doors at the highest junior level. In 2021, Alexander pulled on the Junior Springbok jersey, further sharpening his understanding of the game and the demands placed on a modern No. 9. He progressed through Western Province’s structures and made his Currie Cup debut in 2022, quickly gaining a reputation for crisp service, sharp decision making and a fearless running game around the fringes.

The move to the Suzuki Griquas proved decisive. In the Peacock Blues jersey, Alexander found a platform that suited his strengths. His speed of thought and execution injected urgency into the Griquas attack, while his growing authority behind the scrum helped settle those around him.

One defining moment came in Kimberley against Western Province, when he scored a late, match-winning try that showcased both nerve and composure.

Success soon followed. Alexander was part of the Griquas side that lifted the SA Cup in 2024 and backed it up with Currie Cup glory in 2025. Winning two major domestic titles before turning 25 speaks not only to talent, but to temperament. These are the moments that shape leaders.

Off the field, Alexander cuts a different figure. Grounded and focused, he is known for his calm approach to preparation. A strong coffee and his favourite movie, Lone Survivor, form part of his pre-match routine, while butter chicken remains his meal of choice. When it comes to inspiration, he points to former All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith, a player whose precision and control echo through Alexander’s own style.

Ask him about individual accolades and he shrugs them off. What matters, he says, is leaving the jersey in better condition than he found it. It is a mindset that resonates deeply within the Griquas culture, and one that has endeared him to teammates and supporters alike.

As a scrumhalf from Paarl, still early in his professional journey, Dylan “Bobby” Alexander is already helping shape the present of Griquas rugby. With his pace, instinct and growing leadership, he looks set to influence its future too.