President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of former Springbok flanker Johannes Hermanus Hugo Coetzee, better known as “Jan Boland”, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 80 following an illness.
Coetzee, who was born on 20 January 1945, made his international debut against the British & Irish Lions in Cape Town in 1974 at the age of 29, and played in a total of six Tests until 1976, when he started in all four Tests against the All Blacks on their tour of South Africa.
Rated as one of the best fetchers of his time, Coetzee was a stalwart of Stellenbosch University, and he played in 127 matches for Western Province between 1967 to 1979. He also represented the Junior Springboks, SA XV, Gazelles and SA Universities.
“To lose a member of the South African rugby family is never easy and Jan Boland’s passing is indeed a very sad day for us all,” said Alexander.
“He was much more than a hard-working flanker and a legend of Western Province rugby, Jan Boland was a gentleman whose grace, humility and quiet strength left an indelible mark.
“Off the pitch, his life was rich and varied. After retiring from rugby, he became a successful winemaker and leaves behind a legacy of excellence in the wine industry.
“He was recognised not just for his technical and entrepreneurial achievements, but for his generosity, especially in sharing knowledge and uplifting those around him, and he also very passionate about support for workers in the agricultural sector.
“Above all, Jan Boland embodied values we all hold dear: humility, perseverance, and respect. He served his community and his craft, and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who experienced his kindness and inspiration – may you find solace in the memories of a great man.”
Second tragic death
In a second tragic passing within the last 24 hours, Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin died on Thursday.
Mark Alexander expressed his condolences on behalf of South African rugby and paid tribute to former Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin, who sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 46.
Fortuin, who was born on 6 February 1979, played two Tests for the Springboks, against Ireland in Dublin in 2006, and against Australia in Sydney in 2007.
Provincially, he represented the SWD Eagles in 122 games between 2000 and 2010, and from 2005 to 2009, he played 79 times in the colours of the Cheetahs, including making 22 Super Rugby appearances.
Fortuin also played for the Emerging Springboks, SA U21s, and the Southern Kings.
After hanging up his boots, Fortuin ploughed back into the game with a long coaching career, working most recently as head coach of Pick n Pay Gold Cup side Northam Rhinos.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we mourn the passing of Bevin Fortuin, a man whose life embodied integrity, humility and unwavering dedication to the game of rugby and the communities it uplifted,” said Alexander.
“Bevin was more than a gifted player and coach; he was a mentor, a leader and a beacon of hope for many young athletes who saw in him the possibility of greatness grounded in grace. His contributions to South African rugby, both on and off the field, were marked by quiet strength and a deep sense of purpose. He carried the jersey with pride and he wore his humanity even prouder.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were fortunate to walk alongside him, may you find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind: one of service, excellence and compassion. His memory will live on in every try scored, every young player inspired and every community he touched.
“Bevin Fortuin’s name will forever be etched in the story of South African rugby – not only as a player, but as a man who gave his heart to the game and to the people it serves. May he rest in peace and may his spirit continue to guide us.”
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