Mark Alexander, the President of SA Rugby, expressed heartfelt condolences following the passing of Dr. Johannes Gerhardus “John” Williams.

The former Springbok lock and coach, revered for his contributions both on and off the field, succumbed to leukemia on Thursday morning at the age of 78.

A Stellar Rugby Career

John Williams carved his name into rugby history with an illustrious career spanning decades.

As a towering 2.01-meter lock, he represented South Africa in 13 Test matches between 1971 and 1976.

During his playing days, he clinched three Currie Cup titles with Northern Transvaal (now known as the Bulls) in 1973, 1974, and 1975.

Transitioning into coaching, Williams led the Bulls to further glory, securing back-to-back Currie Cup championships in 1987 and 1988.

His team also shared the coveted trophy with Western Province in 1989.

His leadership extended to the national level in 1992 when he became the first Springbok coach post-apartheid, guiding the team through five Tests as they re-entered the international rugby arena.

Life Beyond Rugby

Born on October 29, 1946, in Johannesburg, Williams had a multifaceted career.

After concluding his tenure as Springbok coach in 1993, he returned to the Bulls before shifting focus to academia as the dean of students at Northwest University.

In 1999, he retired from his academic career and settled on his family farm in Limpopo.

There, he dedicated himself to livestock and game farming, later earning the title of Limpopo’s Farmer of the Year.

His commitment to agriculture extended to leadership roles, including serving as chairman of Agri Limpopo.

Remembering a Rugby Legend

Mark Alexander highlighted Williams’ unique achievements as one of only six individuals to both play for and coach the Springboks.

He described him as a “tough-as-nails lock and a great lineout jumper” whose tactical insight left an indelible mark on the game.

Alexander also praised Williams’ coaching tenure with the Bulls in the late 1980s, which cemented their dominance in South African rugby.

“John Williams was more than a player and coach; he was a dedicated supporter and contributor to rugby long after his official roles ended,” Alexander remarked.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of profound loss.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Williams balanced his professional accomplishments with a rich personal life.

He earned a doctorate in Canada in 1977 and raised three children—Elmien, Lianie, and Boeta—with his first wife, Martie, who passed away in 2003.

Later, he married Mariana and continued his journey as a devoted family man.

The legacy of John Williams lives on, not only through his contributions to rugby but also in the lives of those he touched.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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