Springbok legend Chester Williams dies at 49
Former Springbok wing and Blitzboks captain and coach Chester Williams has passed away, aged 49. He died from a heart attack in Cape Town on Friday afternoon.
Williams was a star of the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 1995 and one of the best wings in South African rugby history.
© Gavin Barker - BackpagePix
A true pioneer in South African rugby
“The news of Chester’s passing is devastating and hard to believe, as he was still young and seemingly in good health,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.
“Chester was a true pioneer in South African rugby and his performances at the World Cup in 1995, as a snapshot of his Springbok career, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of our rugby public. As a member of the Springbok class of 1995, Chester was not only well-known in the rugby fraternity, but he was a much-loved South African whose influence stretched wider than just the rugby world.
He was passionate about rugby and South Africa and as a coach, at various levels, selflessly gave back to the game after he hung up his boots. He played with courage and was a beacon of light in his community and the broader South African context. Chester Williams had so much more to give. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Maria, his children, family and friends during this very sad time.”
The season of sad news refuses to leave us. Heartfelt condolences to the family of pioneering rugby icon, #ChesterWilliams. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans. #RIPChesterWilliams pic.twitter.com/f0ymMPV62V
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 6, 2019
A triple threat
Williams made his Springbok debut against Argentina in 1993 and played 27 Tests for South Africa until his last Test, against Wales in 2000, scoring 14 Test tries in the process. In total, he played 47 matches in the green and gold and scored 27 tries.
In 1995, he was a member of the initial Springbok squad for the Rugby World Cup but had to withdraw due to injury shortly before the tournament started. He was later recalled and scored four tries in the quarter-final against Samoa.
“To the world you’re Madiba, but to me you’re the world”.
— Usi Riise (@LLOYDNEDOHE) September 6, 2019
Such humility from the Black Pearl.
Chester Williams #RIPChesterWilliams pic.twitter.com/iIKGT0hHjT
Blessed with speed to burn and great anticipation, sevens rugby was also a natural fit for Williams, who played in 22 tournaments for the Springbok Sevens team, including the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments in 1993 and 2001. He also captained the Blitzboks at the Commonwealth Games in 1998.
After his playing days, Williams turned to coaching, where he was involved at various levels of the game, including the Blitzboks, Cats (Vodacom Super Rugby), the national teams of Uganda and Tunisia, the Phakisa Pumas (Currie Cup) and, more recently, the University of the Western Cape in the FNB Varsity Cup.
Friend, father, husband, legend. #RIPChesterWilliams pic.twitter.com/DcAO7kZYS9
— Gasant Abarder (@GasantAbarder) September 6, 2019
Williams is survived by his wife, Maria, and three children, Ryan and twins, Matthew and Chloe. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made and will be communicated in due course.
