Recently deceased former Springbok lock Hannes Strydom reportedly lived life on the edge after his rugby career.
The 1995 World Cup-winning lock died in a car accident last Sunday evening, while travelling to Pretoria on the N4 near eMalahleni.
Sunday newspaper Rapport has revealed claims that Strydom, a successful businessman who owned a chain of pharmacies after retiring from rugby, lived a double life where he allegedly profited from a codeine-smuggling syndicate, which allowed him to maintain a luxurious lifestyle.
According to the report, Strydom owned three properties in Pretoria and Cape Town, purchased between 2004 and 2011 for a combined value of R48 million, while a Porsche Cayenne and a Ferrari were among several expensive cars he owned.
Several acquaintances of Strydom told Rapport that Strydom abused recreational drugs and was involved in several extra-marital affairs.
Strydom, 58, played 21 Tests for the Springboks and represented Transvaal and Northern Transvaal domestically. He is the fifth member of the 1995 Springbok squad to have died.
Photo: DUIF DU TOIT / Gallo Images