Breyton Paulse was born on the 25th of April 1976 in Koue Bokkeveld.

He is a South African rugby union player who has played at wing for the national team, the Springboks, since 1999.

By the time Paulse was entering secondary school and his size proved to be a major concern; at his adult size of 1.78 m, 80 kg (5'10", 180 lb), he was thought to be too small to play top-flight rugby.

Despite his size, his tremendous speed (he was a former South Africa Schools champion at 200 and 400 m) ensured that he would receive a serious look from selectors at all levels.

Paulse garnered attention almost from the start of his top-flight rugby career with a hat-trick of tries in his first Currie Cup match in 1996, and eventually made his first Springboks appearance in 1999. In his first appearance for the Springboks against Italy, he scored a hat-trick.In the seasons of 1997 and 1998, Paulse was predominantly playing fullback. Paulse became comfortable at wing and developed into a fine player, using his blistering pace to score many tries.

As of August 7, 2005, he has amassed 54 appearances for the Springboks, placing him in the top seven all-time for Springboks caps, and scored 22 tries.

Perhaps his most notable Springboks match was a two-try performance against Australia in the 2002 Tri Nations. In the Currie Cup, playing mainly for Western Province, he has averaged nearly a try a match. Paulse moved to France for the 2005-06 season and play for Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14.

Springboks coach Jake White indeed selected him for the 2005 Tri Nations, and started him in South Africa's first three matches. Paulse scored an important try in South Africa's series-opening 22-16 win over Australia. In the end of 2006, he was picked by the Stormers franchise to be part of their team for the 2007 Super 14 where he strengthened his chances to once again don the Springboks colors.

He was selected for the squad that was present at the 2003 Rugby World Cup finals, but was only selected to the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals, as a reserve player.

Breyton has now retired and will be donning the eLan Rugby Legends jersey as he supports The South African Rugby Legends Association with their development and social programmes.