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South African World Cup winner Hannes Strydom dies aged 58
By Josh Raisey
South African World Cup winner Hannes Strydom has died in a car crash, according to reports in South Africa.
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Netwerk24 reported on Monday that the crash occurred on the N4 in the Witbank area in Mpumalanga. Strydom was 58 years old.
The 21-cap lock started in the 1995 World Cup final and becomes the fifth member of that squad to pass away.
President of the South African Rugby Union Mark Alexander shared this statement: “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,” said Mr Alexander.
“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.”
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Strydom captained the Lions to Currie Cup victory in 1999. Lions CEO and fellow 1995 World Cup winner Rudolf Straeuli said: “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.”
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.#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/wt21wMe1wQ
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) November 20, 2023
