Latest news with #DesvanJaarsveldt
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
SA Rugby pay tribute to oldest living Springbok who has died at 96
The former flanker turned out for Rhodesia, which qualified him to play for the Boks. Des van Jaarsveldt in 2013 at the opening of the Springbok Experience museum at the Cape Town Waterfront. Picture: Carl Fourie / Gallo Images The oldest living Springbok rugby player, Des van Jaarsveldt, has died, at the age of 96. Van Jaarsveldt played in one Test match for South Africa, against Scotland on 30 April 1960, scoring a try in the 18-10 victory at the old Boet Erasmus Stadium in Gqeberha. He also captained the team. Born on 31 March 1929 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Van Jaarsveldt played for the Springboks from Rhodesia, as the country was known at the time. Van Jaarsveldt, who made more than 60 provincial appearances for Rhodesia from 1947 to 1962 and captained them in the Currie Cup, remained involved in rugby after hanging up his boots as a coach and administrator, and he was also involved with the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA). SA Rugby, via president Mark Alexander, paid tribute to the former flanker, who passed away on Monday. 'Deep love for the game' 'Des will not only be remembered as the oldest living Springbok in the last number of years, but he was a leader with a deep love for the game who leaves behind a wonderful legacy,' said Alexander. 'He will not only be remembered for his achievements on the rugby field, but Des was also an accomplished boxer and athlete, and was devoted to assisting and giving back to sport in his native Zimbabwe. 'On behalf of the South African rugby family, I would like to honour his legacy as a former national captain and someone who ploughed back into our beloved game, and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones in this very sad and difficult time.'
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Oldest Springbok Des van Jaarsveldt dies
Des van Jaarsveldt, the oldest living Springbok and Springbok captain, has passed away at the age of 96 and 112 days. Although he wore the green and gold in just one Test, as captain, no less, his impact on the game was profound. In 1960, selected on the flank at the age of 31, he led South Africa to an 18-10 victory over Scotland at the Boet Erasmus Stadium in Port Elizabeth, scoring a try in the process. Remained involved in the game Born in Rhodesia on 31 March 1929, Van Jaarsveldt attended Plumtree School, the same school as another Springbok forward Adrian Garvey. Van Jaarsveldt was Springbok #354. He represented Rhodesia from 1947 to 1962, racking up 62 appearances. Van Jaarsveldt remained involved in the game through coaching and administration and was a cherished friend and supporter of the SA Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) throughout the years. SARLA confirmed his passing on Monday on social media, adding: 'Thank you for the legacy, the leadership, and the love for rugby. Rest peacefully, Des.' The new oldest living Springbok is now Frik du Preez at the age of 89 years and 235 days as at the time of publishing. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
News24
a day ago
- Sport
- News24
Oldest living Springbok dies at 96
Des van Jaarsveldt, who was the oldest living Springbok, died at the age of 96 on Monday. In his only Test, Van Jaarsveldt captained the Springboks to an 18-10 victory over Scotland at the Boet Erasmus Stadium in 1960. Van Jaarsveldt was born in Bulawayo and represented Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) from 1947-1962. At the time, Rhodesia had competed in South Africa's Currie Cup and their players were eligible to be picked for the Springboks. 5 talking points | Springboks v Georgia: Scoreline flattered the hosts in Mbombela scrap Van Jaarsveldt could play either wing or flank, but played loose forward on the day he captained the Springboks. He was the only Rhodesian to ever captain the Boks. The SA Rugby Legends paid tribute to Van Jaarsveldt following his passing. 'Though he wore the green and gold in just one Test match, as captain, no less, his impact on the game was profound. 'Born in Rhodesia in 1929, Des proudly represented Rhodesia from 1947 to 1962, racking up 62 appearances and a lifetime of rugby memories. He remained involved in the game through coaching and administration and was a cherished friend and supporter of SARLA throughout the years. 'Thank you for the legacy, the leadership, and the love for rugby. Rest peacefully, Des,' the statement read. This morning, we bid farewell to a legend. 💚 Des van Jaarsveldt, the oldest living Springbok and Springbok captain,... Posted by SA Rugby Legends Association on Monday, July 21, 2025
