FORMER SPRINGBOK JAMES Small, a member of South Africa’s 1995 World Cup-winning side, has passed away suddenly at the age of 50.
South Africa Rugby has today confirmed Small was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg on Tuesday night after suffering from a suspected heart attack.
The former wing made his Springboks debut against New Zealand in 1992, before going on to play in 47 Tests for South Africa.
Small scored 20 Test tries, with the last of those in his final match in the Green and Gold, against Scotland — a try which, at that stage, broke Danie Gerber’s Test record to become South Africa’s leading try-scorer.
He started the 1995 World Cup final against the All Blacks and helped the host nation keep Jonah Lomu, who had scored four tries in New Zealand’s semi-final win over England, scoreless.
Small represented the Lions, Sharks and Western Province at club level during his career.
“James, as a member of the triumphant Rugby World Cup squad from 1995, will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of the South African public and we were devastated to hear of his passing,” SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander, said.
“He always played with the type of passion and courage that encapsulate what Springbok rugby stands for, and he lived his life in the same way.
“At 50 years old, James Small died too young. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this very sad time.”
Small is the third member of South Africa’s 1995 squad to pass away, following Ruben Kruger in 2010 and Joost van der Westhuizen in 2017.
Terrible news, God rest his soul.
What a tough player, recently re watched Living with Lions 1997, he featured heavily. Rest in Peace!
Jonah, Boost, Ruben & now James that’d be some party in the afterlife.
Grew up in South Africa and was 8 when the boks won the world cup. We saw them as hero’s and James playing for my home team The Sharks along with Honiball & Joubert were school boy icons. Had the pleasure of meeting many of the local world cup squad when they visited our school. RIP
@Josephus Miller: *Joost damn autocorrect
Some 14 months after my own heart attack and some few months before by own 50th it is so sad to see James taken in this way, but a timely reminder of just how lucky my journey has been.
RIP James Small
He did some job on Lomu in 1996 RIP
RIP. I remember him marking Lomu out of the 95 world cup final. Animal.
What a lightning Bolt, what a legend! Tough as nails, may he find peace. And a pint with Lomu!! RIP Boet!!! :((
RIP he was a quality player.
One tough player. Remember watching him play in his heyday RIP
RIP she was a quality player.
How do you go from top quality athlete for a decade to dead by 50? Where drugs involved or a really letting yourself go!
@Barney r: I was thinking the same sadly enough. Maybe it was a freak thing that just happened. 50 is just way too young. Family must be devastated.
@Barney r: Some of us like to call it God’s plan. These things happen. Didn’t you read about Iker Casillas recently too?
Terribly sad news. Just a tough rugby player punching above his weight and being generally just brilliant at everything. Legend of 1995.. RIP
RIP
Mhrip
Google HCM Heart
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-optimism-tinged-with-caution
If in doubt get screened for it, can affect anyone.
@Roland Kelly: Was he suffering from HOCM? There are many other conditions that may have predisposed him to premature cardiac death.