SA Rugby pay tribute to Boks’ first post-isolation coach John Williams

South Africa’s first Springbok coach in the post-isolation era, John Williams, has died. He was 78.

Williams was also a Springbok rugby player, featuring for the then Northern Transvaal. He played lock in the early 70s and also later coached the Pretoria-based team.

Known as a gentle giant, Williams made his Springbok playing debut in June of 1970 against France in Bloemfontein. He would later also play Tests against Australia, England, the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks.

In total he played 13 Tests between 1971 and 1976.

After finishing up his playing career, Williams turned to coaching.

He guided his beloved “Blue Bulls” between 1987 and 1991, winning the Currie Cup in 1987, 1988 and 1991. They also shared the trophy with bitter rivals, Western Province, in 1989.

Played for and coached the Boks

When South Africa returned to international sport after the end of Apartheid in 1992, Williams was appointed Springbok coach. He led the side in five Tests, winning one, before being replaced by Ian McIntosh.

According to a SA Rugby statement, Williams had been suffering from leukaemia.

“John Williams was one of only six people who played for South Africa and then also coached the Boks after unity in 1992, along with Carel du Plessis, Nick Mallett, Rudolf Straeuli, Allister Coetzee and Rassie Erasmus,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.

“He was a tough-as-nails lock and a great lineout jumper, and because of his knowledge of the game, he had a successful career in coaching, although the return to the Test arena in 1992 was a difficult time for the Boks.

“The Bulls teams from the late 1980s carried the hallmark of his coaching and were almost unstoppable as they dominated the local rugby scene for a number of years.

“As a true rugby man who was more of a gentle giant in essence, John ploughed back into the game after he had hung up his boots and he remained a loyal supporter of both the Bulls and the Springboks.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Mariana, his children Elmien, Lianie and Boeta from his marriage with Martie, who had also passed away, as well as other family members, friends and loved ones in this very sad time of bereavement.”