South Africa Sevens legend Rosko ‘Specmagic’ Specman has opened up about the most difficult period of his rugby career.Specman identified losing his father, Joseph Specman, as one of the lowest points of his career. He described him as a key figure who provided guidance and motivation throughout his rugby journey.
“The most difficult period of my career was when I lost my father in 2023 because I think he was one of the things that kept us together. He would always call before and after the game. I would always ask for advice from my father,” Specman told Sid. Joseph, who played club rugby for Swallows ASC in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, was instrumental in nurturing his son’s passion for the sport and encouraging him to pursue a professional career.
The elder Specman remained a key source of support for the winger, offering advice and encouragement before and after matches. His passing left a significant gap in the life of the former Blitzboks star, who had to navigate the challenges of professional rugby without his biggest mentor . Specman’s loss also coincided with a difficult spell in his playing career. After moving to Griquas, his form dipped before he eventually rediscovered his rhythm and returned to South Africa’s national sevens team.
Despite the personal challenges, the 35-year-old went on to rebuild his career and continued making his mark on the international stage. While acknowledging the lasting impact of losing his father, Specman revealed that his wife, Amber, has become a crucial source of support, stepping into a role that had previously been occupied by his father.
“While he is not there anymore, I have a beautiful wife who just took over the role for me,” he added.The couple married on 7 May 2022, after dating for approximately eight years. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Eden, in July 2026.Born and raised in Grahamstown, Specman developed through the Eastern Province and Sharks systems before joining the Pumas in 2013.
His rise in international rugby gathered momentum in 2014 when he joined the Blitzboks, establishing himself as one of the most recognisable players on the World Rugby Sevens Series. Specman played a key role in South Africa’s World Series title triumphs in 2017 and 2018. His performances also earned him a nomination for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award in 2017.He represented South Africa at the 2016 Rio and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, winning bronze medals on both occasions.
At the Paris 2024 Games, Specman dedicated the bronze medal achievement to his late father, reflecting on the pain of reaching another career milestone without the man who had supported him throughout his journey. After returning to 15-a-side rugby in 2019, he represented several South African franchises, including the Blue Bulls, Cheetahs, Stormers and Griquas, before making his Springboks debut in 2021.He played the full 80 minutes in South Africa’s 40-9 victory over Georgia, adding another milestone to an already distinguished career.