Boland Kavaliers Coach Alshaun Bock’s Father-in-Law Dies After Heart Attack at Currie Cup Match
- John Minnaar, 72, suffered a cardiac event in the stands during the Currie Cup clash between Boland Kavaliers and the Airlink Pumas on Sunday
- Minnaar was the father-in-law of Boland attack coach Alshaun Bock, who was on the sidelines coaching when the emergency unfolded
- Boland Rugby CEO Quintin van Rooyen and Union President Bennie van Rooi both issued statements after the tragedy at Boland Rugby Stadium
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A Currie Cup fixture at Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington was overshadowed by tragedy on Sunday, 2 August, after John Minnaar, 72, collapsed in the grandstands during the second half and later died in hospital following a cardiac event.
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Minnaar was watching the Carling Currie Cup Round Three fixture between the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and the Airlink Pumas alongside his family, including his daughter Monique Bock, who was present when her father collapsed. He was the father-in-law of Alshaun Bock, the Kavaliers' current attacking coach, who was working on the sidelines at the time of the emergency.
Match day doctor Dr Arthur Williams was the first medical professional to respond, providing immediate assistance until paramedics and additional emergency personnel arrived on the scene. Despite those efforts, Minnaar did not survive.
Boland Rugby pays tribute
Boland Rugby exclusively sent a statement to Briefly News, and their CEO Quintin van Rooyen expressed the organisation's grief in a formal statement released on Monday.
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"It struck me deeply when we heard the tragic news of the passing of Mr Minnaar," van Rooyen said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, particularly Monique, Alshaun, and their loved ones, as they come to terms with this devastating loss."
Boland Rugby Union President Bennie van Rooi added:
"Rugby is ultimately about people and community, and moments such as these remind us of the bonds that exist far beyond what happens on the field. We mourn with the Minnaar and Bock families and pray that they will find strength and comfort in one another and in the memories they shared with John."
Dr Williams also reflected on the incident, saying:
"An incident like this is a reminder of the importance of having trained medical personnel available at sporting events. I am grateful that we were able to respond immediately."
Bock thanks Boland Rugby community
Alshaun Bock, a former Boland winger who rejoined the union's coaching staff in 2022 under head coach Hawies Fourie, publicly thanked those who rallied around his family.
"A special thank you to the Kavaliers coaching, management and playing staff for your immediate support, compassion, and care during an incredibly difficult moment," Bock said.
"To the wider Boland Rugby family, supporters, friends, colleagues, and everyone who has reached out with messages, calls, prayers and condolences, thank you."
On the field, the Pumas claimed a 20-15 victory, the Kavaliers' first home defeat in Wellington since last season and the end of a five-match home winning run. The defeat drops Boland to fourth place on the Currie Cup log, while the Pumas rise to sixth. The Kavaliers face the Sharks XV at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Saturday, 8 August.
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Clarendon High School mourns Grade 12 Squash player
Briefly News previously reported that Clarendon High School for Girls has announced the death of Grade 12 learner Kristen Potter, who passed away following a brief illness.
The school shared the news on its official Facebook page on Friday, 24 July 2026, describing the announcement as one made "with deep sadness."
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Source: Briefly News
