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IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Remembering Schalk Liebenberg: A legacy in KwaZulu-Natal rugby
Tributes pour in for Schalk Liebenberg, whose dedication to rugby left an indelible mark on the sport. Image: @Springboks/ X Tributes continue to pour in for former SA Rugby Exco member and former KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) president, Schalk Liebenberg, 67, who died on Friday. Liebenberg played club rugby in KZN and other provinces, and also served the game as an administrator. In 2018, he became President of the KZNRU, having previously held positions as Junior Vice-President, Senior Vice-President, and Deputy President. Liebenberg also distinguished himself with two years of service on SA Rugby's Exco. Leading the tributes, SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said: 'From his early days as a club player, he built a career defined by loyalty and leadership. His insight and advocacy enriched national discussions and deepened SA Rugby's understanding of grassroots needs. 'Marked by steadfast commitment, integrity and an unwavering passion for the sport, Schalk shaped the vision of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union with conviction and compassion. 'He championed the development of club rugby, mentored countless emerging leaders and remained a fierce advocate for growing the game from the ground up. His legacy is woven into the fabric of rugby in this province and far beyond,' Alexander continued. 'We honour his memory not only for the positions he held, but for the purpose with which he served. His contribution will be remembered with gratitude, and his presence (will be) deeply missed. 'To Donnas and the Liebenberg family, their loved ones and friends, as well as the KZNRU, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May the love and pride Schalk inspired bring you comfort in the days ahead.' In a joint statement, the KZNRU and The Sharks extended their heartfelt condolences to Donnas, the Liebenberg family, friends, and the wider rugby community on Liebenberg's passing. The KZNRU and The Sharks said Liebenberg bravely battled cancer with courage, and the news of his passing deeply saddened those who knew and worked with him. A respected figure in KZN rugby, Schalk was a passionate servant of the game who made an indelible impact on the development of rugby in KZN. KZNRU President Graham MacKenzie said: 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Schalk Liebenberg. Schalk was a true rugby man, committed and always driven by his love for the game. 'His contributions to the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and the greater South African rugby community will be remembered with great respect and admiration. He was passionate about growing the game at all levels. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.' On Facebook, Varsity College Rugby Club described Liebenberg as 'a passionate rugby man whose decades of service helped shape the game in our province. As President of KZRU, he championed development, inclusivity, and excellence — values that continue to inspire us at Varsity College. 'Many of our players, coaches, and staff benefited from Schalk's leadership and vision. His dedication to growing rugby at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, has left a lasting legacy that we will continue to honour both on and off the field.' College Rovers Rugby Club said Liebenberg was a 'true club legend and a pillar in the rugby community.' Amanzimtoti Rugby Club said Liebenberg's voice for rugby will always be remembered. [email protected]
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Former Junior Bok ineligible for England despite residency
Jacques Vermeulen has been ruled ineligible to play for England despite meeting World Rugby's five-year residency requirement. The 30-year-old flank, who recently signed for Sale Sharks after several standout seasons at Exeter Chiefs, was reportedly on the radar of England coach Steve Borthwick. But Vermeulen's involvement in the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship has shut the door on his Test ambitions. Back then, the Junior Springboks were South Africa's designated second team. That means Vermeulen's single appearance at the tournament officially capped him for South Africa, even though he never played Test rugby. World Rugby's eligibility rules allow players to switch nations only if they were born in the new country, or have a parent or grandparent who was. Vermeulen doesn't qualify under those terms. 'It's very frustrating,' Vermeulen told BBC Radio Devon. 'I don't know why they're stopping it. How can they say that because you played for the U20s when you were 19 or 20, you're capped for a country?' Also read: Japanese club snaps up Saffa trio Vermeulen, who played a key role in Exeter's 2019-20 Premiership and Champions Cup double, said he felt bitterly disappointed, especially after completing his five-year residency and beginning the process of acquiring British citizenship. Adding to his frustration is the perceived inconsistency in how the rules are applied. 'Look how many guys are playing for Scotland who played for the Junior Boks – guys like Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman [both in 2014 when the SA U20s were not SA Rugby's designated second team],' he said. 'I get really angry about it because I'm like, how can you stop a guy after they played 10 years ago for a country?' The post England can't pick ex-Junior Bok appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Herald
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
‘Proud day for rugby in SA': world champ Junior Boks welcomed back
'Appointing a head coach in Kevin, who has franchise experience, was also an important part of the progress this group have shown and I would like to commend him, his back-room team and the high-performance department at SA Rugby for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.' The Junior Boks last won the title in 2012 with a home victory over the same opponents in Cape Town but had had a long wait for a repeat success, having not appeared in another final since 2014. This time the team showed great composure in cruising to the final with commanding victories over Australia (73-12), England (32-22) and Scotland (73-14) in the pool stages, and Argentina (48-24) in the semifinals. They led in the final from the third minute and tries by Xola Nyali and Gilermo Mentoe and 13 points from the boot of Vusi Moyo secured a famous victory. Moyo finished the tournament as the top points' scorer with 63, while scrumhalf Haashim Pead scored six tries, placing him second for the most five-pointers behind Georgia's Mikheili Shioshvili (seven). SA Rugby media
The South African
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
RIP: Former Springbok captain passes away
In sad news that came to light on Monday, SA Rugby paid tribute to former Springbok captain and flanker Des van Jaarsveldt, who passed away earlier on Monday at the age of 96. Desmond Charles van Jaarsveldt was the oldest living Springbok. He played in one Test, when he captained South Africa against Scotland on 30 April 1960, scoring a try in the 18-10 victory at the erstwhile Boet Erasmus Stadium in Gqeberha. Born on 31 March 1929 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Van Jaarsveldt played for the Springboks from Rhodesia, as the country was known at the time. Van Jaarsveldt, who made more than 60 provincial appearances for Rhodesia from 1947 to 1962 and captained them in the Currie Cup, remained involved in rugby after hanging up his boots as a coach and administrator, and he was also involved with the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA). 'Des will not only be remembered as the oldest living Springbok in the last number of years, but he was a leader with a deep love for the game who leaves behind a wonderful legacy,' said Alexander. 'He will not only be remembered for his achievements on the rugby field, but Des was also an accomplished boxer and athlete, and was devoted to assisting and giving back to sport in his native Zimbabwe. 'On behalf of the South African rugby family, I would like to honour his legacy as a former national captain and someone who ploughed back into our beloved game, and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones in this very sad and difficult time.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Here's when the Baby Boks arrive home
Champions The Baby Boks will arrive back home with their trophy on Monday morning, according to SA Rugby, who will greet them at OR Tambo. Photo: World Rugby South African sports fans will get another chance to celebrate their heroes when the Junior Springboks arrive back in the country with their trophy on Monday morning. The Baby Boks outplayed the Junior All Blacks in Saturday's World Rugby Under-20 Championship final in Rovigo, Italy, earning a well-deserved 23-15 win. It was the second time South Africa has won the competition. The Baby Boks last lifted the trophy in 2012, with a squad featuring players who went on to represent the Springboks, like Handré Pollard, Steven Kitshoff, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marvin Orie, Jan Serfontein, and others. Speaking right after the final, skipper Norton expressed his delight at their victory, saying team unity and passionate defence combined to produce the amazing victory.
