South African lock Justin Basson played in Major League Rugby between 2022-2025. The Cape Town native represented Rugby ATL (2022-23) until their relocation to LA, and the Houston SaberCats (2024-2025).

Basson’s signing was announced in December 2021 by Rugby ATL, joining from the Sharks in the URC competition and Western Province in South Africa’s Currie Cup competition. Basson had reamarkably similar seasons through his first two years in North America’s Top Flight, earning 15 caps (13 starts) in both seasons, and scoring 2 tries in each. He earned 30 MLR caps (26 starts) and scored 4 tries in his 2-season stint with Rugby ATL.

Following the news that Rugby ATL was under new ownership and planned to relocate to LA, on September 25th, 2023 Justin Basson was traded to the Houston SaberCats along with Johan Momsen in exchange for 2024 Salary Cap Considerations (unknown). Basson & Momsen, both South Africans, joining a healthy Saffa contingent in Houston. During the 2024 season, Basson proved that his first two seasons were not a coincidence, and recorded a season in line with his first 2 in MLR, proving to be a very consistent player. He scored another 2 tries in 12 games (all starts), recording over 150 tackles for the first time in his career, 2 more than his previous best. He helped the SaberCats to finish the regular season with an excellent 14-2 record, the best in MLR that season, but did not feature in the post-season.

On November 22nd, 2024, the Houston SaberCats announced the return of Justin Basson for the 2025 MLR season.

Achievements:

• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 16