The Autumn Nations Series will erupt when South Africa face England on Saturday – but it’s not the first time the countries have combined to great effect.
Brad Barritt is proof of that, as the Durban-born star stumbled upon massive success during his time in Blighty. The 26-cap former England international is showing no signs of slowing down in retirement after seeing his Tiki Tonga Coffee Roasters enterprise take off in recent years.
Barritt, 38, was still at the height of his career with Saracens – where he won five Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups – when he founded the coffee company in 2016. And the former South Africa under-21 international has only seen the business go from strength to strength since then.
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Tiki Tonga planted its roasted roots in Welwyn Garden City, not far from Saracens’ Stone X Stadium in Hertfordshire. But the brand has blossomed to the point where it’s now a frequent sight at some of London’s top sporting venues.
As well as being sold on matchdays at the Stone X, its wares have also been spotted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Lord’s Cricket Ground. It was back in 2019 that Tiki Tonga became Spurs’ official coffee supplier, with club legend Ledley King even joining Barritt for a brew in person.
And it’s not only English audiences that can get their hands on a cup of Tiki Tonga. The company has since gone international and is for sale in Barritt’s native South Africa, where he’s hoping not too many of his fans will be scorned by the fact he represented the Red Rose instead of the Springboks.
Barritt got involved in the coffee industry after describing the beverage as “an integral part of many people’s daily routine.” He added: “Whether it be that morning Americano with my family, or the quick Espresso shot to fire me up before training or the Flat White when reuniting with friends.”
The former midfield marvel – who retired at Sarries in 2020 – faced the Boks on four occasions during his career. However, his best result came in a 14-14 draw during England’s 2012 tour of South Africa, losing to his would-be team on the other three occasions.
And Barritt will have cause to cheer both sides come Saturday when England desperately try to answer back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and Australia. A third defeat in a row to the reigning world champions could spell disaster for head coach Steve Borthwick – but a certain former Saracens team-mate has just the tonic.
