Former South Africa international and 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams has died at the age of 49.
Former South Africa rugby union international and 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams died on Friday, it has been reported.
Local media outlets reported that Williams, 49, died of a suspected heart attack.
Williams played 27 times for the Springboks, making his debut as a winger in 1993.
He scored a total of 14 tries for the senior team, four of them on home soil against Samoa at the 1995 tournament, which followed the country’s return to international competition after decades of sanctions and anti-apartheid boycotts.
Williams was one the first black players to represent the national team that was dominated by white players, making him the face of the push for multi-racial reconciliation that followed
Nelson Mandela’s election in 1994 as the first democratic president.
At the time of his death, Williams was a coach at the University of Western Cape, according to the local SA Rugby Mag website.
Voice of Reason
Roar Rookie
Fascinating article Ken - thank you for sharing. RIP Chester.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Shew. You never know when your time is up. RIP Chester, a true hero of Springbok rugby who inspired a generation of new Bok fans from all races. Always had such a big smile on his face too. Both SA wingers gone within a short period of time, James Small and now Chester. The only wing left from that game is Jeff Wilson.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
And add the springbok coach Kitch Christie to list. The only coach in the modern era to have a 100% win record. Unbelievable.
Jonesy
Roar Rookie
Tragic.. A true Champion of the game..RIP..Trail Blazer for SA Rugby...
rebel
Roar Guru
We've also lost Jonah from that epic final. All great men, all too young, all now making that great side in heaven stronger.
Felix Sirimanne
Roar Rookie
YES!! Its a sad day to see a great player pass away so young!! May he rest in peace!!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Cheers Fionn. There are always stories within and around the known ones. We know only a few. And yes, it is good to read that Rassie has warm form. Harry surely has a story to add. I was moved by the prophecy of his older brother. RIP Chester Williams.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Thanks for that article, Ken. I’m glad that I read that. It also makes me happy to read that Erasmus was an exception even back then. Perhaps this partially explains how close the current Boks playing group is? If I were SARU, I’d be trying to keep him as Bok coach.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
It's a shocking stat
Highlander
Guest
Selection breaker Game breaker Great player to watch
jeznez
Roar Guru
Shocked to hear that so sad.
Peter Bland
Guest
That’s 4 players from the 1995 SA World Cup side dead before 50!!!! Jost van Ruben Kruger James Small And Chester Risky business..
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Yes, Fionn, a great man indeed, and in more than one way. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/southafrica/3036911/Williams-lifts-lid-on-racism.html
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
RIP. A significant player in the history of Springbok rugby. Always enjoyed watching him. A sad day, far too young.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
RIP big Chester! He sounded like an awesome man!
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
How great is that smile in the photo. Such a sad day, but he seemed a kind man, and he was a great man for the game.
rebel
Roar Guru
Oh man, too young. RIP champion.