Hannes De Beer: Rugby Star Dies During a Game Leaving Behind His Wife and Daughter

• Rugby player Hannes de Beer has been confirmed dead during a match between Alberton and Union Bulldogs this weekend in South Africa
• The player's club confirmed the passing of the 38-year-old, with the details about his death still kept away from the public
• The news about the rugby player's death gathered several condolence messages from fans and well-wishers on social media

The South African rugby community has been thrown into mourning after a player, Hannes de Beer, passed away during a rugby match in Mzansi.

De Beer died at the age of 38 while playing for his team, Alberton Rugby Club, against Union Bulldogs Rugby Club on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The circumstances surrounding the death of the 38-year-old are yet to be made public, as the Gladiators lost one of their important player.

The South African rugby community recently lost former player Russell Nelson, and also a young player who died during training.

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Alberton Rugby Club pay tribute to de Beer

Alberton Rugby Club released an official statement on their Facebook page to offer their condolences to the De Beer family after his death.

"Our sincere condolences to his wife, Liezel, his daughter, Mila, his Gladiator Brothers, and the entire De Beer family," the club confirmed.

"Hannes will be remembered as a true legend—both on and off the rugby field. His strength, loyalty, friendship, and passion for the game left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

"A Gladiator Has Gone Home, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those he inspired. Rest in peace, Hannes de Beer. 🏉🕊️ Forever in our hearts. Forever remembered."

Fans mourn the death of de Beer

Rugby fans joined Alberton Rugby Club in paying tribute to de Beer on social media after his death was announced

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Louis Odendaal said:

"Condolences to Lisle Petro and family. You are in our prayers through this dark time. A gladiator has fallen but not forgotten. Rip Hannes."

Cheryl Terblanche shared:

"Hannes RIP my boy 💙 this has truly been devastating news 💔 😢 you were the nicest, kindest and most respectful man i knew 🙏 always a smile on your face and a family man of note ❤️ we are all going to miss you so much 💔 rest easy 💙 fly with the angels 😇 Liezel & Mila we are so sorry about this and feel your pain 😢 you guys were the perfect little family & Hannes loved you immensely ❤️ may our Lord Jesus wrap his arms around you all & help you through this very sad time 💔🙏 our thoughts & prayers are with you, Mila & the rest of the family 🙌💙💙 Liezel De Beer."

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Sharon de Beer wrote:

"Condolences to Liezel De Beer, Petrol De Beer, Willie De Beer, thoughts and prayers are with you.. Rest soft, Hannes."

Kevin Peyper commented:

"RIP, big guy. If your job was to show the world how to treat people, you absolutely nailed it. Our sincere condolences to the entire rugby family."

Jimmy Baloyi reacted:

"Very sad news indeed. Rest, you Union Bulldog. Thanks for playing and sharing drinks with me after the game..."We are the Union boys, we got the biggest toys...."

Roberto Torres added:

"Rest in Peace, A good man, a gentle soul and always had the most welcoming presence. My condolences to the family 🙏🏽."

Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest

Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.

The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.

Source: Briefly News