RIP: Springbok wing passes on
Yesterday at 02:01 PM
OBITUARY: SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has paid tribute to Springbok wing Andy van der Watt who passed away at his home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday, at the age of 78.
According to News24 reports, the Krugersdorp-born and KZN schooled Van der Watt was once described as "the fastest wing to play for the Springboks", with a time of 10.4 seconds - his best in the 100 metre dash.
Following the completion of his school career at Maritzburg College, Van der Watt spent a year at the Air Force in Pretoria before moving to Stellenbosch University, where he studied physical education and played for Maties between 1967-1971.
He played three Tests for the Springboks on the UK tour of 1969/70 and played most of his provincial rugby for Western Province, but also donned the colours of Border and the Sharks which was known as Natal.
He also toured Australia in 1971 and finished with 14 tries in a total of 22 matches in the Green and Gold. Van der Watt retired from rugby in 1975.
"Andy van der Watt was very fast and strong for a wing and had a great eye for space, which made him a tough prospect for opposition defences," said Mr Alexander.
"He will be remembered as a very modest man but when he donned his rugby boots, he became very determined, and he never gave anything but his best to any team he represented.
"After hanging up his boots, Van der Walt went into teaching and spent 37 years at Hilton College in the KZN midlands, where he also ploughed back into the game by coaching rugby, which included the school's first team.
"On behalf of the South African rugby family, I would like to pass on our condolences to Vere, his wife of over 50 years, their children, other family and friends in this time of bereavement – may you find solace in the memories of a great man."
