RIP | Springbok great dies in church after watching South Africa beat All Blacks
· The South African
South African rugby is mourning the death of former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen, one of the most uncompromising defenders of his generation, who passed away aged 78 on Sunday morning.
Jansen, who was born in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape on 5 February 1948, reportedly suffered a heart attack while attending church in Otjiwarongo in Namibia, where he was visiting.
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He did watch the Springboks beat the All Blacks 33-26 at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening.
He earned 10 Test caps for the Springboks between 1970 and 1972, scoring one try during his international career.
The tackle that became Springbok folklore
Jansen made his Test debut against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970.
It was the beginning of a memorable four-Test series against New Zealand and the match in which Jansen produced the moment that would forever be associated with his name.
His thunderous tackle on All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell became one of the most celebrated defensive moments in Springbok history.
The hit helped turn the momentum of the match in South Africa’s favour as the Springboks defeated New Zealand 17-6.
Jansen went on to feature in all four Tests of that famous series, helping South Africa secure three victories against the All Blacks.
His career extended beyond those memorable encounters. The inside centre also played Test rugby against France, Australia and England, while representing the Springboks in five further tour matches and scoring five tries.
At provincial level, Jansen represented the Free State, including being part of their 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad.
‘A proud Springbok’
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander led the tributes to Jansen, describing his passing as a loss to the wider South African rugby family.
“Joggie Jansen was a proud Springbok who represented his country with the commitment and courage required to wear the green and gold jersey at Test level,” said Alexander.
“He was a formidable rugby player and a wonderful example of the uncompromising spirit that characterised the Springboks of his generation.”
Alexander acknowledged that Jansen’s famous tackle against New Zealand had become part of Springbok folklore, but stressed that his contribution went far beyond that single moment.
“He was a Test player for South Africa and therefore an important part of our rugby heritage,” he said.
A legacy beyond 10 Tests
Although Jansen’s international career consisted of just 10 Tests, his reputation endured for decades.
His physicality, defensive strength and commitment became defining characteristics of his playing style, while that famous tackle ensured his name remained familiar to generations of Springbok supporters.
Alexander said Jansen’s legacy would stretch well beyond his number of Test appearances.
“He leaves behind a legacy that stretches beyond his 10 Test appearances: that of a player who wore the green and gold in an extraordinary era and whose commitment, toughness and famous defensive skills have ensured that his name remains part of Springbok rugby folklore.”
Alexander extended his condolences to Jansen’s family, friends, former teammates and everyone who knew him.
“May they find comfort in the memories of a remarkable rugby man and in the knowledge that his contribution to the Springbok story will not be forgotten,” he said.
From Griekwastad to the green and gold, and from the Free State to one of rugby’s most famous tackles, Joggie Jansen leaves behind an enduring place in Springbok history.
He attended Hoërskool Griekwastad along with his brother Eben. The pair remain the only two Springboks produced by the Northern Cape school to date.