Former Springbok Adriaan Richter is one of a handful of retired players who have fallen on hard times. The 1995 World Cup champion recently sold his medal to cover the costs of his bills.
WORLD CHAMP ADRIAAN RICHTER SELLS WORLD CUP MEDAL
Last week, former Springbok Adriaan Richter’s 1995 Rugby World Cup medal and miniature trophy was auctioned off to the highest bidder.
The medal fetched R62 500, while the trophy was sold for R34 000.
Richter told the media that he was forced to part with the historical memorabilia due to financial hardship.
He said, “I definitely didn’t sell it because I wanted to. It’s just because we live in South Africa, and I can’t find work. It’s not nice.”
He added, “I have children who would love to have it. But in the end, we live in a completely different country. At my age, I can’t find work either. Nobody wants to hire me. It’s absolutely dire.”
Richter – who also sold his car and his matchday jerseys – claimed he failed to secure stable employment after retiring in the late 1990s.
The former Bok played alongside players like Francois Pienaar, Kobus Wies, and late icons Chester Williams, James Small, and Joost van der Westhuzien.
MORE SPRINGBOK PLAYERS WHO FACED MONEY PROBLEMS
Adriaan Richter is not the only Springbok whose money problems made headlines.
Marthinus “Tinus” Linee – who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2013 – fell on hard times amid mounting medical bills. He was forced to sell his Springboks and Western Province blazers to recoup cash.
Fortunately, the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) and Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund came to his rescue with a generous donation.
He lost his battle with the disease – like fellow Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen – in 2014.
In 2016, Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha’s estate was officially sequestrated – or declared insolvent- after he failed to pay over R1.1 million due on a mortgage debt for his property in Mooikloof‚ Pretoria.
@naasbotha10
