First post-isolation Springbok coach John Williams dies
The first Springbok coach after South Africa's isolation ended, John Williams, has died at age 78.
He passed away in a Pretoria hospital after being in a coma for 10 days.
Williams led the Springboks in 1992 after a stellar playing career as a lock for the Bulls and the Boks in the 1970s, earning 13 Test caps.
He played his senior provincial rugby for Northern Transvaal, and also won multiple Currie Cups for the province.
He made his test debut for the Springboks in 1971 against the touring French team on 12 June 1971 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
He also played test matches against Australia in 1971, England in 1972, the British Lions in 1974 and the 1976 All Blacks.
He played in eleven more tour matches, scoring one try for the Springboks.
“John Williams was one of only six people who played for South Africa and then also coached the Boks after unity in 1992, along with Carel du Plessis, Nick Mallett, Rudolf Straeuli, Allister Coetzee and Rassie Erasmus,” said President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander.
“He was a tough-as-nails lock and a great line-out jumper, and because of his knowledge of the game, he had a successful career in coaching, although the return to the Test arena in 1992 was a difficult time for the Boks.
“As a true rugby man who was more of a gentle giant in essence, John ploughed back into the game after he had hung up his boots, and he remained a loyal supporter of both the Bulls and the Springboks.”
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