SPRINGBOKS LEGEND CHESTER Williams has died aged 49.
It is believed Williams suffered a heart attack in Cape Town, where he lived and worked as a rugby coach at the University of the Western Cape.
Williams was the only black player in the 1995 World Cup-winning side that defeated rivals New Zealand 15-12 after extra time at Ellis Park stadium.
The Springboks team was reserved for whites in the apartheid era until 1981 when the first black player, fly-half Errol Tobias, was selected.
Williams died less than two months after the death of James Small, the other winger in the 1995 side.
He made his Springboks debut in 1993 against Argentina and scored 14 tries in 27 Test appearances over seven years.
“The news of Chester’s passing is devastating and hard to believe, as he was still young and seemingly in good health,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.
“Chester was a true pioneer in South African rugby and his performances at the World Cup in 1995 will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of our rugby public.
“He was not only well known in the rugby fraternity, but 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 coach, at various levels, selflessly gave back to the game after he hung up his boots.
“Chester played with courage and was a beacon of light in his community and in 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.”
When can we start talking about Conor Mcgregor???
@Michael Kearney: be careful. You’ll get slated for casting judgement even though….everyone knows….like in other scenarios mentioned here.
@Michael Kearney: actually you won’t. Because one is perceived by many to be squeeky clean while the other was hated by many from the start
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: The feminist is back
@Jon Walters: and I’ve got my mangina in a right twist! Are you in the pro or anti McGregor camp then, Jon?
@samstheman: I know you did, sam. Need to let it breath or it gets shtinky. What about yourself? You rush to defend any man in any situation because of your own insecurities. You a McGregor man or no?
@samstheman: you’re a lot less emotional than you usually are. Something must be going right for you. I’m happy for you.
@samstheman: just given your stance on female related articles on the main journal page searching for agendas that don’t exist and not liking ppls responses when challenged. Glad you are becoming less biased. We may have diametrically opposing views on certain issues but we surely agree that McGregor is a scümbag?
@samstheman: I say that as someone who followed his career since his ufc debut and an immature owner of several fanboy dethrone t-shirts
@samstheman: well sport and real life often overlap as is the case here. You didn’t have to comment and engage in discussion but you chose to so I’m seeking your opinion. You’re as opinionated as I am so why don’t you want to give a judgement of McGregor’s character? It’s plain to see for everyone that he’s a scümbag. Why don’t you have an opinion?
@samstheman: riiiiiight! So basically you can make throwaway comments and snide remarks elsewhere but can’t admit that McGregor is utter scüm even just based off of this carry on in the media for everyone to see when it’s starting at u in the face. I’d call that hypocracy.
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: Jesus leave it alone. Why did you even bring McGregor up? This is about AJ dodging big fights nothing to do with that shithead
@Co: I didn’t bring it up. Your man above is itching to talk about it as others are I’m sure. And Sam decided to have a go at me. If I’m challenged then I’ll fight back. Simple.
@samstheman: dude, don’t misconstrue my views on equal rights for feminazi as you said before. You shouting me down as a feminist repeatedly shows your worldview. When I gave my views on feminism then you went silent highlighting your ignorance on the topic. And it’s laughable you thinking I search for things to be offended by when you’re the very definition of a snowflake yourself, latching on to any article that you perceive to be man hating when it simply doesn’t apply. You’ve a bone to pick with feminism and you’ve decided that I’m that bone. You suggesting I’m some sort of bandwagoner is ridiculous. As you said, this is a sports forum so I’m not going to get a lot of fans here for this. And I’m sorry if it’s painful for some to read but I was taught to stand up for yourself and your morals. This eejit sam looks to have a dig when possible so I’m going to have one back. It’s at least some afternoon entertainment for some ppl.
@samstheman: go on then, you sad little man.
@samstheman: How’s that search comin along? Can’t find it because it doesn’t exist….maybe in your head. Simply playing to the audience. Some might say a bandwagoner. Talk to u next time my opinion offends you.
@Bruce van der Gutschmitzer: shut up gimp ffs
When Joshua is easily filling Wembley and there isn’t a decent crowd for any heavyweight in the US it’s American that needs AJ not the other way round.
@Bungee Aky: Not really the PPV money in the UK is worth about 30million for his largest fight 1.5million buys, in the states he’d probably have 20-30million buys so probably over 100million! His probably is Eddie is afraid his cash cow could lose in the states
@Bungee Aky: still be interesting to see him venture out there, depending on the opponent, it’ll be a good test run for the Wilder fight surely. Had to scroll to the bottom of the page for the 1st comment about the actual article, Bruce van der gimp has it tarnished!
@Pat Tobin: your so far off the mark. Wilder earned est 14mil from the fury fight and has career earnings Before are around 25mil. AJ did 20mil Sterling for his last fight and 70million to date. The money isn’t in the USA like it was before. If AJ wants the big paydays he can earn them in the UK, travelling to promote a fight might not be worth what they would make having it in Wembley.
@Now or Never: the effort it would take to promote a fight might well not be worth it. Heavyweight boxing has died a death in the USA with only wilder as a credible opponent.
America is not the centre of the Universe, Joshua seems to be earning a living without it.