"30 years on " - Five 1995 Rugby World Cup Springboks Who Are No Longer With Us

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The team not only triumphed on the field but also played a key role in bringing a divided nation together.

30 years on from their triumph, we remember with respect and gratitude five members of that legendary squad who have since passed away.

James Small was a fiery winger known for his relentless competitiveness and heart. He was entrusted with marking the unstoppable Jonah Lomu in the 1995 final—a daunting assignment he met with tenacity and pride.

Born in Cape Town on 10 February 1969, Small earned 47 caps for South Africa between 1992 and 1997, scoring 20 tries and becoming the country's top try-scorer by the time of his retirement. He also had a prolific club career, playing for Transvaal and the Lions, and was the leading try-scorer in the 1996 Super 12.

His post-rugby life was varied, including ventures in hospitality and coaching. Sadly, on 10 July 2019, Small passed away from an ischemic heart attack at the age of 50. He died at a Johannesburg establishment, and his sudden passing shocked and saddened the South African rugby community.

Chester Williams, born on 8 August 1970 in Paarl, was far more than just a brilliant winger—he was a symbol of hope. The only black player in the 1995 Springbok squad, Williams became a unifying figure in post-apartheid South Africa.

Initially ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Williams returned after suspensions opened a spot in the squad. He seized the moment, scoring four tries in the quarter-final against Samoa and playing a pivotal role in the Boks' World Cup success. His international career included 27 caps and 14 tries from 1993 to 2000, and he was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 1994.

After retiring, he turned to coaching, including stints with the South African Sevens, Uganda, Tunisia, the Cats, and the University of the Western Cape, where he led the side to Varsity Shield success in 2017. He also served as executive director of Forward Africa Petroleum and helped train Matt Damon for the film 

Invictus.

Williams passed away on 6 September 2019 at the age of 49 from a heart attack. His death was a profound loss to the nation. He is remembered as both a rugby legend and a cultural icon.

Joost van der Westhuizen, born on 20 February 1971, was a dynamic scrum-half whose fearless style and playmaking brilliance defined a golden era of Springbok rugby. He played 89 Tests between 1994 and 2003 and remains one of South Africa's greatest players.

In the 1995 final, he delivered the crucial pass to Joel Stransky for the match-winning drop goal—an iconic moment in South African sport. His 38 international tries stood as a Springbok record until equaled by Bryan Habana.

Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2011, a condition he bravely battled while raising awareness through the J9 Foundation. His courage in the face of a debilitating illness inspired many. Despite being given a prognosis of just 2–5 years, he lived until 6 February 2017, passing away at age 45.

He remains a towering figure in the hearts of South Africans—not only for what he did on the field, but for the dignity and strength he displayed off it.

Ruben Kruger, born 30 October 1970, was one of the quiet heroes of the 1995 Springboks. A tireless flanker, he was central to the team’s work ethic and was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 1995.

Kruger played 36 Tests for South Africa between 1994 and 1999 and appeared in both the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups. A consistent performer, he was known for his relentless tackling and strong running.

Following his retirement, Kruger worked as a camera salesman in Pretoria. In 2000, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and while surgery initially appeared successful, his health deteriorated a decade later. He passed away in January 2010 at the young age of 39, leaving behind a legacy of courage and humility.

Hannes Strydom was a powerful lock forward who earned 21 caps between 1993 and 1997. Born on 13 July 1965 in Welkom, he played a key role in the Springbok engine room during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, combining physicality with a deep understanding of the game.

Off the pitch, Strydom was a qualified pharmacist and a successful businessman. He owned the Pharma Valu chain of pharmacies in Pretoria and continued to contribute meaningfully to his community long after his playing days were over.

Tragically, Strydom died on 19 November 2023 at age 58 in a car accident involving a minibus taxi in Mpumalanga. His passing marked another somber milestone for the 1995 team, whose achievements remain unmatched but whose members are slowly, sorrowfully departing.

Throughout Rugby World Cup's 10 iterations, just South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have won the tournament more than once. South Africa now lead the all-time wins with four, New Zealand have won three and Australia have lifted the Web Ellis trophy twice.

Throughout these triumphs, 44 men's players have been apart of two Rugby World Cup winning squads. This quiz is the ultimate test for Rugby World Cup fans, to see if you can name all 44 players that boast two winners medals.

Also, to make things even trickier, one of these players only featured one the pitch at one tournament, and was a late yet unused call-up a following competition. (Here's a hint, he's a Springbok centre).

Good Luck!