Northwood School Mourns the Death of Former Rugby Player Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, 20

Northwood School Mourns the Death of Former Rugby Player Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, 20

  • The Northwood Old Boys' Association announced the passing of former pupil Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, aged 20
  • Van Nieuwenhuizen represented Northwood in the 1st XV as a hooker and featured at the KES Easter Festival in 2024
  • The association paid tribute to the young rugby player, describing him as 'Forever a Knight'

Northwood School in Durban is mourning the loss of former pupil Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, who died on 24 September 2026 at the age of 20. He was born on 7 April 2006.

Northwood School
The Northwood Old Boys' Association announced the passing of former pupil Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, aged 20. Image: Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen
Source: Facebook

The Northwood Old Boys' Association shared the news on Instagram, honouring him as "a young Knight" and offering condolences to his family, fellow Northwood "brothers", and friends who knew him during his time at the school.

''We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of a young Knight, Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen, Class of 2024. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, Northwood brothers, friends and all who remember him fondly from his time at Northwood. 🕊 #alwaysaknight.''

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Werner Van Nieuwenhuizen's rugby career

Van Nieuwenhuizen was a notable presence in Northwood's rugby programme during his school years. He was listed as the school's No. 2 hooker in the 1st XV during the 2024 season, featuring in fixtures against Hilton College, Glenwood and Maritzburg College.

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He was part of Northwood's squad at the KES Easter Festival in March 2024, where he scored two tries in a 50-0 win over Brandwag, and added another score in a 40-8 victory over Hudson Park at the same tournament.

Following Northwood's win over Glenwood in May 2024, Van Nieuwenhuizen spoke to media about the team's performance and preparations for upcoming matches. His name also appeared among players considered for the Sharks' Under-18 Craven Week trials in 2024.

As seen in the post below on Instagram.

Northwood community pays tribute

The tribute posted by the Old Boys' Association was accompanied by a photograph of Van Nieuwenhuizen in action during a lineout, wearing a Northwood rugby jersey, with the words "Forever a Knight" marking his passing. The post drew an outpouring of messages from members of the school community and others who remembered him.

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As of publication, the circumstances surrounding Van Nieuwenhuizen's death had not been publicly confirmed.

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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.