Dewald Naude Dies at 31 After Battle With Brain Cancer, Wife Pays Tribute

• Donald Dewald Naude, who played for the Bulls U21 side and the Tuks Varsity Cup squad, passed away on Saturday, 3 October 2026
• The 31-year-old Paarl Boys High alumnus had been diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year while based in Hong Kong
• His wife Annabel and his Hong Kong club HBU Sandy Bay both shared heartfelt tributes following his death

Donald Dewald Naude, a former Bulls under-21 and Tuks rugby player, died on Saturday, 3 October, following a battle with brain cancer. He was 31 years old.

Naude, an alumnus of Paarl Boys High School, had been living in Hong Kong, where he played for club side HBU Sandy Bay. His diagnosis came earlier this year, prompting his loved ones to appeal for public donations to support his treatment. He subsequently underwent an 8.5-hour awake craniotomy to remove the tumour.

HBU Sandy Bay pays tribute

In a formal statement, HBU Sandy Bay confirmed his passing and honoured his memory with warm words about the person he was off the field.

Read also

From blindness to musical greatness: Babsy Mlangeni’s remarkable life remembered

"Those who knew him will remember how effortlessly he could put a smile on somebody else's face and make them forget their worries," the club wrote.

The club added:

"He had a genuine heart for serving others, and even during the most difficult period of his own life, Donald continued to put those around him first. Through all of it, he faced his illness with extraordinary courage, carrying the same optimism and positivity he always had. It never changed the person we knew and loved."

Wife Annabel shares emotional farewell

Naude’s wife, Annabel, paid an emotional tribute to her husband after his death, describing their marriage as a privilege and saying she felt fortunate to have shared her life with him. She credited him with teaching her the importance of courage, determination, perseverance, strength, and self-belief.

She said Naude’s approach to his illness had also taught her to remain positive during the most difficult moments. Annabel remembered him as a loving husband who gave her a sense of peace and said she remained immensely proud of the courage and strength he showed throughout his battle.

Read also

Danny K hints at new music after wife Lisa Koppel’s death: “It’s taken me a long time”

Naude’s final Instagram post, shared in August, was dedicated to Annabel on her birthday. In the message, he expressed his gratitude for having her in his life and described himself as blessed to have her as his wife.

Springbok star pays tribute to former teammate

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok flanker Marco van Staden has publicly honoured former Bulls teammate Dewald Naude following his sudden death, which has sent shockwaves through South African rugby circles.

Naude's wife, Annabel, confirmed on Instagram that he died on Saturday, 3 October 2026.

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

Source: Briefly News