Former Springboks Rugby World Cup champion Hannes Strydom has died after he was involved in a car accident on Sunday. He was 58.
Hannes Strydom Dies
His 1995 teammate Kobus Wiese, confirmed the news unfolded on Monday morning, revealing that Strydom and another person collided with a taxi in Mpumalanga.
The imposing Strydom was pivotal in securing the Springboks’ historic first Rugby World Cup title in 1995. His demise marks the fifth loss from the 1995 team, following the passing of Ruben Kruger, Joost van Der Westhuizen, James Small, and Chester Williams.
Strydom, known for his robust presence as a lock, earned 21 caps for the Springboks between 1993 and 1997, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the post-Apartheid era. He made his national team debut against France at Ellis Park in 1993. Strydom went on to play crucial roles in tours to Australia and Argentina later that year. His international career concluded in 1997 after participating in the British Lions series.
At the provincial level, Strydom represented Transvaal/Golden Lions from 1993 to 2000, accumulating 115 caps during a successful period for the Johannesburg side. Notably, he captained the Lions team that clinched the Currie Cup trophy in 1999.
Condolence Messages
The Lions Rugby Company expressed deep sorrow at Strydom’s passing:
“The Lions Rugby Company has learnt with great sadness the passing of former Lions and Springbok lock Hannes Strydom.”
CEO Rudolf Straeuli extended condolences on behalf of the franchise to the Strydom family.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Hannes. We share a tight bond as members of the 1995 group, and to lose yet another one of our brothers is a big blow. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and the rugby fraternity at large.”
The untimely death of Hannes Strydom casts a sombre shadow, occurring less than a month after the Siya Kolisi-led Springboks successfully defended their Rugby World Cup title.