South African rugby legend Theuns Stofberg died on Wednesday, 23 August 2023. He was 68.
Theuns Stofberg dies: What’s the cause of death?
According to reports, Stofberg was involved in a multi-vehicle accident near Stellenbosch, Cape Town, earlier this week.
From what we understand, valiant attempts by doctors to preserve the Springbok icon’s life were futile. Following two gruelling days of intensive care, Stofberg succumbed to his injuries.
“His untimely death due to a car accident comes as a great shock to us. He will always be remembered for his contribution to rugby in the province and at a national level,” Western Cape MEC for Sports Anroux Roux said in a statement.
A statement from the Stofberg family had not been received when this article was published.
Theuns Stofberg obituary
Marthinus Theunis Steyn Stofberg, a name evoking the legacy of the President of the Orange Free State, was born on 6 June 1955, in Villiers, Free State.
Schooled at Grey College in Bloemfontein, a bastion of South African rugby, he began his provincial journey with Free State while pursuing studies at the University of the Free State.
His provincial trajectory took a turn when conscription led him to Pretoria, and he donned the colours of Northern Transvaal, now known as the Blue Bulls. It was during this phase that he ascended in prowess, solidifying his place as a formidable flanker on the national stage.
His debut test appearance unfolded on 14 August 1976, against New Zealand at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, a momentous event transpiring at the age of 21.
Regrettably, the Springboks faced defeat with a scoreline of 9-15.
Over the course of his career, he graced 21 tests and etched his mark with six tries. The mantle of captaincy fell upon him for the first time on 18 October 1980, in Montevideo, when the Springboks encountered the South American Jaguars, emerging victorious with a score of 22-13.
A defining juncture in his leadership was steering the Springbok side during the contentious 1981 Springbok Tour of New Zealand, stepping into the role after Wynand Claassen’s incapacitation.
The tour’s significance resonates through history due to its disruption by protesters, marking a pivotal chapter in rugby’s narrative. Stofberg’s participation concluded due to a knee injury during the series’ final test, halted temporarily by a light aircraft’s flour bomb incident.
In 1982, Stofberg parted ways with Northern Transvaal, forging a new chapter with Western Province Rugby Union, where he established himself and commenced a physiotherapy practice.
His captaincy legacy extended to his final two international tests against England in 1984, securing triumph in both encounters and contributing a try in the second test.
A constellation of knee injuries curtailed his journey yet again, prompting his retirement from rugby in 1984 at the age of 29.
A unique distinction embellished his career as the sole player in history to seize the Currie Cup with three distinct teams: Free State (1976), Northern Transvaal (1979 and 1980), and Western Province (1982 and 1983).
His storied participation spanned seven finals, culminating in victory on four occasions (’76, ’80, ’82 & ’83) and a single draw (1980).
Reactions to Stofberg’s death
Stofberg’s indelible imprint on the annals of rugby history reflects a journey illuminated by both triumph and the challenges inherent in the pursuit of excellence.
His impact, felt on and off the field, resonates as a testament to his enduring spirit and unwavering dedication.
Here are some of the social media reactions to Stofberg’s untimely death:
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