Former Springbok utility back and legendary Western Province coach Dawie Snyman has passed away following a recent diagnosis of leukemia.
He was 76.
Snyman, a product of Grey College in Bloemfontein, moved to the Cape to further his studies and rugby career at Stellenbosch University.
He went on to earn 10 Test caps for the Springboks between 1972 and 1977, representing South Africa with distinction during a turbulent era in the sport’s history.
Indelible mark
Following his playing career, Snyman left an indelible mark as a coach, leading Western Province to a record five consecutive Currie Cup titles from 1982 to 1986 – a golden era for the union that cemented his legacy in South African rugby.
Rugby excellence ran in the family.
Snyman’s brother, Jackie, also played for the Springboks in the 1970s.
Jackie’s son Dawie currently serves as an assistant coach for the Stormers.
The South African rugby community was quick to pay tribute to Snyman’s immense contribution to the game, both on and off the field.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
| Full names: Dawid Stefanus Lubbe |
| Date of birth: 5 July 1949 |
| Place of birth: Johannesburg |
| School: Grey College |
| Springbok #453 |
| Physical: 1.73m, 77kg |
| Test summary: Tests: 10 Tries: 1 |
| First Test: 3 Jun 1972 – Flyhalf against England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| Last Test: 27 Aug 1977 – Fullback against World Invitation at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria |
Test history
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result |
| 3 Jun 1972 | England | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | Lost 18-9 |
| 8 Jun 1974 | Britain | Newlands, Cape Town | Lost 12-3 |
| 22 Jun 1974 | Britain | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Lost 28-9 |
| 23 Nov 1974 | France | Stade Municipal, Toulouse | Won 13-4 |
| 30 Nov 1974 | France | Parc des Princes, Paris | Won 10-8 |
| 21 Jun 1975 | France | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | Won 38-25 |
| 28 Jun 1975 | France | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Won 33-18 |
| 14 Aug 1976 | New Zealand | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | Lost 15-9 |
| 4 Sep 1976 | New Zealand | Newlands, Cape Town | Won 15-10 |
| 27 Aug 1977 | World Invitation | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Won 45-24 |
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