Listen to the full interview above via the podcast 

One of the most iconic moments from the late Nelson Mandela's life was the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final.

Previously a symbol of apartheid, Mandela managed to break barriers between the national rugby team and the people of South Africa by wearing the Springbok jersey on that day and genuinely backing the team.

For South Africa, there would be a happy ending as they lifted the Webb Ellis trophy on home soil. 

Last week Joe was joined by the captain of that team, Francois Pienaar, who first met Mandela in 1994 in an encounter he describes as "special" and humbling.

The 47-year-old also explained that rather than speak about the World Cup, the former South African president was more interested in learning about Pienaar himself.

"We never spoke about the World Cup. That's a bit of Hollywood for you. He wanted to know about me as a person. He was really genuinely interested in me and where I come from and what's in my mind," said Pienaar, who is portrayed by Matt Damon in the 2009 movie Invictus.

He also remembered the moment before the final when Mandela arrived in the dressing room kitted out in the Springbok jersey with Pienaar's number on the back.

Pienaar also told us why he was optimistic that South Africa would go on to win that tournament, despite the relative inexperience of a team previously banned from international competition.

South African captain Francois Pienaar lifts the William Webb Ellis trophy ©INPHO

Pienaar also explained how Mandela maintained their long friendship even when he had moved away to England to play for Saracens.

He also reminisced about the impact Mandela made on his country in those delicate years after his release from 27 years imprisonment when violent, retributive conflict was still a distinct possibility in a fractured country. 

"South Africa was a powder keg. There was a lot of tension in the country and I take myself as an example. What would I have done if I were in prison for 27 years? I played rugby in a bit of an angry way so I guess I would have followed through. He didn't. If you say his style is leadership by example, I would say it's much more than that. It was also leadership by listening, engaging and understanding. He also understood that sport was a very powerful property," said Pienaar, citing Ireland's Six Nations win as an example of the way sport can inspire society.

Pienaar was in Dublin to talk about the One Young World summit and discussed his role with not-for-profit organization.