Tragic Loss: Springbok World Cup Champion Stridom Dies in Car Accident

South African rugby has suffered a significant blow with the death of former Springbok lock Hanes Strydom in a car crash. Stridom, 58, was a pharmacist by profession and played 21 Tests between 1993 and 1997.

He was part of the iconic Bok squad that won the World Cup in 1995, starting in the final match against New Zealand, where South Africa claimed victory with a score of 15-12. The match took place at Ellis Park stadium in front of Nelson Mandela, who watched proudly as the home team emerged victorious. This marked the first time the two teams had met at Newlands since 1980, with the Lions winning by a score of 25-16.

SA Rugby chairman Mark Alexander paid tribute to Strydom’s hard work and dedication to the game. “He was a hard-working lock who never shied away from getting stuck in and doing the dirty work,” he said in a statement. “To lose another member of our iconic Bok squad from that era is truly devastating.”

Strydom’s passing marks yet another tragic loss for South African rugby, which has already lost Keech Christie (coach), Ruben Kruger (winger), Joost van der Westhuizen (scrumhalf), Chester Williams (wing), and James Malley (wing) to various causes over the years.