Former Springboks captain Dawie de Villiers has passed away aged 81 after a long battle with cancer at his home in Stellenbosch.
South African Rugby announced the heartbreaking news on Sunday, 24 April, following his death on Saturday night.
The news comes on the back of another South African rugby legend, Pedrie Wannenburg (41), passing away due to a multi-vehicle collision in Texas on Friday, as per IOL.
While De Villiers was renowned for his talents on the field, it was his work off the world that sealed his status as an exemplary human. The 81-year-old was a minister in the first democratically elected South African government from 1994, under President Nelson Mandela.
Apart from rugby, De Villiers was a minister in the first democratically elected South African government from 1994, under President Nelson Mandela, reports Times Live.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander noted that the former scrumhalf was “one of the greatest Springboks captains”
“Dawie was hugely respected as a sportsman and a politician. He became part of the political winds of change as our country moved toward democracy. He was a great servant of South Africa.”
“To lead South Africa as long as he did in the amateur era and to hold the record for appearances as a Test captain until the dawn of professionalism says everything about his stature as a player and leader.
“He was a great and loyal servant of Springbok rugby and we pay tribute to his dedication and the service he gave to the sport and South African life.”
De Villiers held the record for the most number of Tests as Springbok captain before finally being overtaken by Francois Pienaar in 1995.
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Picture: SA Rugby