Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, has led tributes to former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen who passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday.
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, has led tributes to former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen, one of the most uncompromising defenders of his generation, who sadly passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday morning.
Jansen, who was born in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape on 5 February 1948, suffered a heart attack in Otjiwarongo in Nambia, where he was visiting, as first reported by The South African.
He earned 10 Test caps for South Africa between 1970 and 1972, scoring one try.
Making his Test debut against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970 against New Zealand, Jansen went on to play in all four Tests of that memorable series, with his tackle on All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell subsequently been regarded as one of the most memorable hits in rugby history.
Joggie Jansen, who played his provincial rugby for the Free State and was a member of their 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad, went on to feature prominently for the Springboks, also playing in Tests against France, Australia and England during his international career, while he also represented South Africa in five further tour matches, scoring five tries.
Alexander paid tribute to Joggie Jansen, saying his passing was a loss to the wider South African rugby family.
“Joggie Jansen was a proud Springbok who represented his country with the commitment and courage required to wear the green and gold jersey at Test level,” said Alexander.
“He was a formidable rugby player and a wonderful example of the uncompromising spirit that characterised the Springboks of his generation. His famous tackle against New Zealand is part of Springbok folklore, but his contribution went far beyond one moment. He was a Test player for South Africa and therefore an important part of our rugby heritage.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, former team-mates and all those who knew and loved 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.
“He leaves behind a legacy that stretches beyond his 10 Test appearances: that of a player who wore the green and gold in an extraordinary era and whose commitment, toughness and famous defensive skills have ensured that his name remains part of Springbok rugby folklore.”
Full names: Joachim Scholtz JansenDate of birth: 5 February 1948Place of birth: GriekwastadSchool: GriekwastadSpringbok #444Physical: 1.83m, 86.2kgDate of death: 30 August 2026 (Age 78)
Test summary:
Tests: 10 Tries: 1First Test: 25 July 1970 – Inside centre against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, PretoriaLast Test: 3 June 1972 – Inside centre against England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date
Opponent
Venue
Result
25 July 1970New ZealandLoftus Versfeld, PretoriaWon 17-68 Aug 1970New ZealandNewlands, Cape TownLost 9-829 Aug 1970New ZealandBoet Erasmus, Port ElizabethWon 14-312 Sept 1970New ZealandEllis Park, JohannesburgWon 20-1712 June 1971FranceFree State Stadium, BloemfonteinWon 22-919 June 1971FranceKings Park, DurbanDraw: 8-817 July 1971AustraliaSydney Cricket Ground, SydneyWon 19-1131 July 1971AustraliaBrisbane Exhibition Ground, BrisbaneWon 14-67 Aug 1971AustraliaSydney Cricket Ground, SydneyWon 18-63 June 1972EnglandEllis Park, JohannesburgLost 18-9
Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
Win %
1072170%
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