Former Springboks star Joggie Jansen, 78, passed away this past Sunday, 30 August 2026, due to a cardiac episode. He was visiting a Namibian city when he suffered a heart attack.
The Griekwastad-born athlete was well regarded in his field as one of the most uncompromising defenders of his generation.
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Joggie Jansen’s legacy
The centre defender is acknowledged as a Springboks legend. Jansen represented South Africa in ten Test matches between 1970 and 1972, in which he scored a try. Jansen also featured in five tour games, scoring five more tries.
However, Jansen is more known for his debut performance at the 1970 Test match against New Zealand. It was in this game that Jansen delivered a historic moment in Springbok folklore after tackling All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell.
Jansen also represented South Africa in other Test matches against England, France and Australia and was a part of the 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad.
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SA Rugby mourns a legend
SA Rugby shared SARU president Mark Alexander’s tribute, in which he stated that Jansen represented the country with the courage required to wear the Springbok colours at the Test level. Alexander added that Jansen’s legacy extends far beyond his ten Tests.
He was a player who represented the national team extraordinarily, and his legacy of toughness and famous defensive skills cemented his name in the Springbok rugby folklore.
Alexander and SA Rugby extend their deepest condolences to the Jansen family, his friends and former teammates, along with all those who loved and knew him.
“May they find comfort in the memories of a remarkable rugby man and in the knowledge that his contribution to the Springbok story will not be forgotten.”
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