
RIP: Tributes pour in for former Springbok Dawie Snyman
He earned 10 Test caps for South Africa between 1972 and 1977, playing both fullback and flyhalf and scoring a try, four penalty goals, two drop goals and a conversion in the green and gold.
In total, he played 22 matches for the Springboks, amassing 86 points.
ADVERTISEMENT
After hanging up his boots, Snyman coached WP to five consecutive Currie Cup titles, from 1982 to 1986, as well as a shared title with the Bulls in 1989.
Snyman also coached South Africa at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1997, where the Blitzboks lost to Fiji in the final in Hong Kong, while was also involved with the Lions and at Stellenbosch University.
'Dawie will not only be remembered as a determined player who worked extremely hard and succeeded at international level in two positions, but also as one of the finest coaches South African rugby has known,' said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.
'He could have played much longer, but chose instead to invest in the game as a mentor and leader, shaping generations of players with his insight and passion. His contribution to rugby in South Africa is immeasurable.'
'It is never easy to lose a member of the South African rugby family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pam, his daughters Louise, Patse, Pam and Danielle and to their extended family, loved ones and friends during this time of bereavement.'
'May you find comfort in the legacy of a man who will forever be remembered as one of the greats of South African rugby.'
ADVERTISEMENT
Tributes for former Springbok Dawie Snyman
Born in Bloemfontein on 5 July 1949 and educated at Grey College, Snyman's rugby journey took him to Stellenbosch University, where he represented Maties and Western Province with distinction.
Want to share your condolences?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Abdeslam Ouaddou: Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns are the biggest clubs in Africa
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou speaking during a press conference, Pirates will play against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers As South African football enthusiasts gear up for a monumental encounter, Orlando Pirates will go head-to-head against their fierce rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the iconic Orlando Stadium tomorrow. With a full house expected, anticipation is building for what promises to be a riveting display of top-tier African football (kick-off 3pm). Speaking at the MTN8 press conference held at the Premier Soccer League headquarters in Parktown on yesterday, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed his excitement and optimism regarding the upcoming match. 'It's an exciting moment for not only the players, but for the fans as well. It's a clash of the two biggest teams not only in South Africa, but on the continent," Ouaddou remarked, reflecting the immense stature both clubs hold in African football. "We're excited and happy to play the game on Saturday, and we hope to give a good show to all the supporters in South Africa."

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
EXCLUSIVE: Jonty Rhodes aims to enhance Lions, SA cricket with IPL insights
Proteas legend and now Lions Men's and Women's High Performance and fielding coach, Jonty Rhodes, wants to impart the knowledge that he has gained working in the Indian Premier League for the past 15 years to the South Africa set-up. Earlier this year, it was announced that Rhodes would join the already stacked Lions coaching staff — one that includes former Proteas and Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo, former star Proteas batter Hashim Amla, and former Proteas fast bowling legend Allan Donald. Having spent almost two decades working in the IPL, Rhodes aims to empower the Lions' players for the betterment of South African cricket. "What I've seen with the IPL — I've done 15 out of the 18 seasons — and what we're seeing with the SA20 is that the younger the players are, from an exposure point of view to international coaches and to international players, the faster they learn, because the best place to learn is in the game, on the field," Rhodes told Independent Media in an exclusive interview. "In practice, yes, you need those processes and your skills training, but where you learn emotionally and mentally — how to handle the pressure — is on the field during the game. "So I think from that point of view, the success of the national team is important because it inspires people. But the success of the SA20, the domestic and the franchise structure — and where the Lions have been so strong — is that success breeds success. "People want to be in the team, people want to now perform and take the game to the next level. And that sort of inspiration and those sorts of role models are really important. "Because I think there's been a lot of criticism in the past about the lack of cricket at a domestic level and what the standard is like. And if I watch the players here who are not the national players — man, their skill sets are really good, and their work ethic is intense. "So that, for me, is important, because I think the players now realise that cricket is a business. You're not losing the passion, but there are no shortcuts. There is no shortcut to success because everyone is working hard. What sets you apart? And that's hopefully again a part of the experience that I can bring to the setup."

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Coach Ouaddou, ahead of MTN8 clash: Pirates and Sundowns – the biggest clubs in Africa
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou speaking during a press conference, Pirates will play against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinals at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers As South African football enthusiasts gear up for a monumental encounter, Orlando Pirates will go head-to-head against their fierce rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at the iconic Orlando Stadium this Saturday With a full house expected, anticipation is building for what promises to be a riveting display of top-tier African football (kick-off 3pm). Speaking at the MTN8 press conference held at the PSL headquarters in Parktown on Thursday, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou expressed his excitement and optimism regarding the upcoming match. 'It's an exciting moment for not only the players, but for the fans as well. It's a clash of the two biggest teams not only in South Africa, but on the continent. We're excited and happy to play the game on Saturday, and we hope to give a good show to all the supporters in South Africa,' Ouaddou remarked, reflecting the immense stature both clubs hold in African football. In the lead-up to this thrilling confrontation, Ouaddou addressed the current injury status of his squad. 'Most of the players are available, we only have [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, [Makhehleni] Makhaula, who are still recovering from their injuries,' he confirmed. 'We still have [Olisa] Ndah out, but most of the players are still available.' This clarity on the players' condition will undoubtedly provide a boost to the club and its loyal supporters as they plan their tactical approach against the reigning league champions. The semi-final clash is particularly significant for both teams, with the Pirates aiming to carve a path back to glory in the MTN8 competition. Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh off their league victory, will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge, further intensifying the rivalry as the two giants of South African football meet once again. Both teams are likely to be firing on all cylinders to gain the advantage ahead of the second leg. Expect this encounter to deliver a match filled with high drama, skill, and passion, bringing together supporters from all walks of life under the banner of the beautiful game.