Messages of support and condolences have poured in from the rugby world for former Springbok lock Hannes Strydom, who died in a car accident on Sunday.
SARU president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Strydom, a member of the World Cup-winning Bok squad in 1995. He was 58.
“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 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.”
Strydom, who was born on 13 July 1965, played in 21 Tests and 10 non-Tests between 1993 and 1997. Apart from helping the Boks to win the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time, on home soil, in 1995, and facing the British & Irish Lions in 1997.
He was also a member of the Lions when they won the Super 10, Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup in the 1990s, and played provincially for the Eastern Province and the Bulls, finishing his career with more than 150 provincial appearances.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Hannes,” said Rudolf Straeuli, Lions Rugby Company CEO and former teammate. “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.”
After his playing days, Strydom was a successful businessman who owned a chain of pharmacies. He is the fifth member of the 1995 Springbok squad who has passed away, after Ruben Kruger, Joost van der Westhuizen, Chester Williams and James Small.
Tragic news re Hannes Strydom … One of my favourite Boks … Thoughts go out to his family and friends
— Front Row Grunt (@FrontRowGrunt) November 20, 2023
Tragic news of another of @Springboks original World Cup winners. Hannes Strydom (58) follows Ruben Kruger (39) Joost van der Westhuizen (45) Chester Williams (49) James Small (50). Their memories live on among those of us lucky to have covered the most historic World Cup of all. https://t.co/dnfpupYFl6
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) November 20, 2023
Hannes Strydom has been one of the best Captains and leaders I’ve played with. I have only fond memories of you big guy.
Rest in Peace brother. pic.twitter.com/tvRv0leFNK
— AJ Venter (@AJVenter7) November 20, 2023
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images