The Springbok fly-half who is now developing world-class security estates in South Africa

Despite his premature exit from rugby, former Springbok fly-half Patrick Lambie has built a successful career in developing world-class residential estates in KwaZulu-Natal.

Patrick Lambie was born on 17 October 1990 in Durban, South Africa. He attended Michaelhouse, a prestigious private all-boys boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal known for its strong rugby tradition. 

Lambie’s rugby talent was evident early on in his schoolboy rugby days, and he quickly rose through the ranks of youth rugby in South Africa.

He began his professional career in 2009 with the Sharks, playing in both the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions. 

His breakout year came in 2010, when he helped the Sharks win the Currie Cup, scoring 25 points in the final against Western Province. 

His versatility as a fullback, fly-half, and inside centre made him a key player for the Sharks and caught the attention of national selectors.

Later in 2010, Lambie debuted for the Springboks at the age of 20 in a test match against Ireland. He was selected for the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad and remained a regular feature in the national setup under several coaches. 

Lambie earned 56 test caps between 2010 and 2016 and is known for his calm demeanour, accurate goal-kicking, and tactical awareness. 

One of his most iconic moments came in 2014 when he kicked a last-minute penalty to secure South Africa’s first win over New Zealand in five years. In 2017, Lambie left the Sharks to join the French Top 14 club Racing 92. 

Unfortunately, his time in France was marred by repeated concussion injuries. A severe head knock in a game against Munster in 2018 forced him to reevaluate his long-term health and future in the sport.

In January 2019, at just 28 years old, Lambie announced his retirement from professional rugby on medical advice due to multiple concussions. 

Despite the premature end to a promising career, he transitioned smoothly into a new chapter.

Rise as a property developer 

Since retiring from professional rugby in 2018, Patrick Lambie has successfully transitioned into the world of property development and settled in KwaZulu-Natal with his family.

His post-rugby journey led him into a new team dynamic at Collins Residential. “It’s a property development company in KZN, and essentially, what we do is residential development,” Lambie explained in an interview. 

“We take previously un-zoned land—agricultural land, for example—rezone it, service it by putting in all the bulk services like roads, stormwater, fibre, power, and water, and then transfer individual pieces of land to end users.”

Lambie has thrived in this environment and is now involved in project coordination, sales, and marketing for residential estates within the Collins Group. 

He credits much of his seamless adjustment to skills honed during his rugby career. “I certainly learned how to get along with people who had varying interests, strengths and weaknesses,” he explained. 

“Everyone is different, and being in a high-performance, pressured team environment taught me many lessons that make it easier to deal with pressure in the business world as well.”

His current portfolio includes high-end developments such as Seaton Estate, Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate, Emberton, Lalela, and Annandale Country Estate. 

Zululami, a R2.5 billion development spanning 140 hectares on the North Coast, offers homes starting at R4 million. Seaton provides a mix of freehold and sectional title options, with land priced from R1.4 million. 

In the Midlands, Annandale features just 12 exclusive plots, each between 3,500 and 6,100 square metres, with transfers expected in early 2025.

Despite the success, Lambie acknowledged the transition wasn’t without its difficulties. “The transition from playing to life in the real world was not easy,” he admitted. “It was a sudden, abrupt end. I had plans on playing for much longer than I did.”

However, Lambie prepared well for life after rugby, earning a degree in environmental management through UNISA in 2009, followed by a diploma in education, property development and investment in 2019. 

“It’s very much a case of learning as you go, and experience counts for far more than that,” he said. “But I’m pleased that my folks were adamant I got a degree, and pleased that it has been relevant now in the career that I’m in.”

Ultimately, Lambie is enthusiastic about what lies ahead. “There’s a lot going on at any given time, which makes it very exciting to be a part of,” he said. 

“The group is very dynamic. It’s fast-moving and exciting for us at Collins Residential to be handing over the baton to the homeowners and everyone who has invested in this lifestyle and way of life.”

Built his dream home 

Lambie is still a successful property developer for the Collins Group, located in and around the sought-after KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

He now lives with his wife, Kate, and their three sons in their newly completed home at Seaton Estate, one of the region’s most exclusive eco-conscious estates. 

Overlooking the ocean, the estate offers direct beach access, and a lifestyle focused on nature, community, and family values that resonate deeply with Lambie.

Their home, designed with sustainability and family living in mind, reflects Lambie’s commitment to practical, long-term living. 

Built with natural materials and designed to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, the house also incorporates energy-efficient features that suit the coastal environment. 

“The North Coast has always been a special place for us. The pleasures of it are something that cannot really be described,” Lambie said. 

“Instead, it’s better to see, explore, and experience everything it has to offer… The best of land, sea, and family living is right here.”

Lambie added that his heart is full when he thinks of the memories he has already made with his boys there and that his family is blessed to call the North Coast home.

Though content in his new chapter, Lambie admits that walking away from professional rugby hasn’t been entirely easy. 

“I still have days where it hurts,” he said. “I see some of my friends the same age as me running around on the field and often wish I was still playing, especially for my little boys to be able to watch me.” 

Despite this, he’s grateful for how things have unfolded. “All in all, I’ve been lucky that the transition has been relatively smooth, and this next chapter of my life has been stimulating so far,” he said. 

“For all intents and purposes, we’re very happy.”