SA Rugby Mourns Former Springbok Captain Des van Jaarsveldt: “A True Leader of the Game”
- A former Springbok captain has passed away at the age of 96, prompting tributes from SA Rugby and fans worldwide
- He played Test rugby for South Africa and, after his retirement, remained involved in the game as a coach and administrator
- SA Rugby President Mark Alexander hailed him as a devoted sportsman, national leader, and the oldest living Springbok in recent years
Tributes have been pouring in after the passing of former Springbok captain Des van Jaarsveldt, who died on Monday at the age of 96. SA Rugby paid homage to Van Jaarsveldt, who had been the oldest living Springbok.
Source: Twitter
He played in one Test against Scotland in 1960 and scored a try in that game. He was born in Zimbabwe in 1929 and made more than 60 provincial appearances for Rhodesia. After his retirement, he continued to be involved in the sport as both a coach and an administrator.
Read the tweet below:
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
What did SA Rugby say?
President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, paid tribute to the late Van Jaarsveldt and said he will be remembered as the oldest living Springbok in recent years.
“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 Mr 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.”
Read the tweet below.
How did fans react to Van Jaarsveldt's passing?
@RugbySoulZA:
“A true pioneer of the game. Des van Jaarsveldt may have played just one Test, but his impact stretched far beyond the field. Rest in peace, legend.”
@SpringbokHeart:
“The first Rhodesian to captain the Boks. A try on debut. A lifetime dedicated to rugby. Rest easy, Oom Des, your story is stitched into the fabric of our game.”
@BokLegacy:
“Des van Jaarsveldt embodied old-school grit and leadership. A man who gave to rugby as a player, coach, and administrator. Thank you for your service to the game.”
@MzansiRugbyFans:
“RIP to one of rugby’s quiet giants. Not many know his full story, but those who do will never forget his contribution to the Springbok jersey.”
@TheTryLineZA:
“He came from Rhodesia, wore green and gold with pride, and scored in his only Test. A short Springbok career, but a lifelong servant of the sport. Rest in peace.”
@LegendsCorner:
“He may have only had one cap, but his dedication to rugby spanned generations. Des van Jaarsveldt leaves behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten.”
Source: Getty Images
Van Jaarsveldt joins the ranks of South African sports icons who died in 2025, alongside Kaizer Chiefs’ icon Simon ‘Bull’ Lehoko, former Springboks player Cornel Hendricks and former Orlando Pirates chairman Donald Daniel “DD” Dhliwayo.
Late Joost’s wife pays tribute 8 years after his passing
Briefly News also reported that Amor Vittone recently paid tribute to her late husband, Joost van der Westhuizen, eight years after his death.
Her heartfelt social media post sparked a range of reactions across South Africa as fans and fellow South Africans remembered the rugby legend.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
