South Africa Rugby World Cup winner Hannes Strydom dies in a car accident aged 58 (1 Viewer)

The South African Rugby Union has sadly confirmed the passing of Hannes Strydom, a World Cup winner from South Africa, who died in a car accident at the age of 58.

Strydom, who played as a lock, proudly represented the Springboks in 21 matches between 1993 and 1997. Notably, he played a crucial role in South Africa's 1995 World Cup final triumph over New Zealand, being on the field for every minute of the historic victory.

Throughout his 14-year club career, Strydom, who also pursued a career as a pharmacist, played for Eastern Province Elephants, Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls), and the Golden Lions. Additionally, he contributed to South Africa's Test series against the British & Irish Lions in 1997. His legacy in rugby and his notable achievements on the field will be remembered.

"Hannes was one of the great locks of his generation and as a member of the Springbok squad from 1995, one of the heroes of our local game," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said in a statement.

"He also played more than 100 games for the Lions at a time when they dominated the game in South Africa and won the Super 10 before it became Super Rugby, which underlined the quality of that team.

"Hannes, along with other players from that Lions team, such as Francois Pienaar, Balie Swart, Kobus Wiese, and Hennie le Roux, formed the core of the famous Bok squad that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in South Africa in 1995.

"He was a hard-working lock who never shied away from getting stuck in and doing the dirty work. To lose yet another member of the iconic Bok squad from 1995 is a heavy blow to the rugby fraternity here in South Africa and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Nikolie, their children, Annalie, Hannes and Lucy, family and friends in this very difficult time."