The tragaic death of Dawie de Villiers has hit his world so hard, as he is known to be Rugby great and former Springbok captain.
Dawie is said to have passed on at age 80, as he was among those greats who have captained the South Africa national rugby union team.
He was a dominant figure in rugby during the 1960s. The legendary late radio commentator Gerhard Viviers used to call him Dawie ‘De Viljee’.
De Villiers had played 25 Tests for the Springboks between 1962 and 1970. He had last captained the team to its most memorable 3-1 series win over the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
On Saturday, April 23, 2022, Legendary captain Dawie de Villiers passed away on, and it is reported that he died due to a long time illness
His family confirmed his passing, as they state that he was seriously ill in recent days.
“Dawie has been systematically deteriorating over the last few months, but we were privileged to be able to provide him with the assistance of professional help at home”
Dawie de Villiers died at age 80, as he was born on July 10, 1940, in Burgersdorp, as mentioned in his Wikipedia bio.
It was in 1962. he played his first international test against the British Lions. He played his first test as the Springbok Captain on 31th of July 1965.
After retiring from the sport, de Villiers once again excelled in politics. He was elected to the House of Assembly as MP for Johannesburg West. He was subsequently elected MP for Piketberg, Cape Province.
Before his death, the Rugby great was an ordained minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.
Dawie de Villiers and Suzaan Mangold were married, with four children; three daughters and a son.
Talking about his parents, de Villiers was one of three children of Elsa and Coenie de Villiers. His father was a railway clerk and organizer of the National Party and a Member of Parliament. May his soul rest in peace.