eBusiness Weekly
Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks lock Hannes Strydom has tragically died in a car accident in Mpumalanga.
The 58-year-old was a member of the 1995 Springbok team that famously won the World Cup on home soil.
He represented South Africa 21 times and started the 1995 final against New Zealand, partnering Kobus Wiese in the second-row, helping the Boks defeat the All Blacks 15-12 at Ellis Park.
Springbok lock’s passing
Wiese confirmed his former teammate’s death to News24 on Monday morning.
“Yes, it is so (Strydom’s passing),” Wiese told the publication.
“At this stage the information is very vague, but I know it happened somewhere in Mpumalanga. He and another person were in a vehicle that collided with a taxi. That’s what we know at this stage.”
Nikolie, Strydom’s wife, told Netwerk24 that the accident occurred on the N4 just before Emalahleni in the direction of Pretoria and added that she didn’t have any further information regarding the circumstances of the accident.
The Lions, whom Strydom played over 100 times between 1993 and 2003, paid tribute to him on social media.
“It is with great sadness to have heard of the passing of our very own Lions and Springbok legend Hannes Strydom. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time. May his soul rest in peace,” their post on X, formerly Twitter, read.
Strydom started his provincial career at Eastern Province in 1986 before moving to Northern Transvaal — now the Bulls — two years later.
He started his senior provincial career in 1986, before moving to Northern Transvaal — now the Bulls — two years later.
However, he played the bulk of his club rugby with Transvaal — now the Golden Lions — where he made 115 appearances between 1993 and 2000 before retiring. He also played Super Rugby for the Cats in the late 1990s.
Strydom also worked as a pharmacist in Pretoria.
Strydom is the fifth member of the 1995 World Cup team to have died after Ruben Kruger (2010), Joost van der Westhuizen (2017), Chester Williams (2019) and James Small (2019). Head coach in 1995, Kitch Christie, also died in 1998. — planetrugby
