World Rugby

SA Rugby pays tribute to former World Rugby leader. Photo: Archives

RIP: Third drowning tragedy rocks Springbok family

The rugby fraternity has been rocked by a third drowning incident in recent months, with more tragic news having come to light on Sunday.

World Rugby

SA Rugby pays tribute to former World Rugby leader. Photo: Archives

Late on Sunday, it was tragically reported that the mother and aunt of former Springbok player Breyton Paulse had been identified as the victims after a drowning accident in Hermanus.

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The report by Netwerk24 stated that two people had been found floating in the water near the Old Harbour in Hermanus, a picturesque coastal town in the Western Cape.

Paulse – who played 64 Tests for the Springboks – confirmed the tragic news, writing in a WhatsApp: “It is very sad. Pray for me and my family!

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The horrific incident comes just a couple of months after Theresa de Villiers, the wife of former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, was found floating in a pool at a house in Gqeberha

She was reportedly found by a family member in a house in Fairview and declared dead on the scene by emergency workers.

The Springboks posted a message a message on social media after the tragedy in early April, with President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander stating: “The SA Rugby family’s thoughts are with former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, whose wife Teresa tragically passed away. Heartfelt condolences to Peter and his loved ones in this very difficult and sad time.”

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Towards the end of last year, former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis received widespread support from the Lions and the greater rugby community after tragically losing his son in a drowning accident at the family home in Krugersdorp.

“It’s been very emotional, but we dealt with it the best we can. It’s also important for us to support Jannie and his family after this period of mourning too,” Lions CEO Rudolf Straeuli said at the time.

Tributes have poured in for the Paulse family after the latest drowning tragedy

On social media, former Springbok Toks van der Linde said that he was “broken”, and sent condolences to Paulse, saying: “You know how much I loved your mum and she was your idol!”

NSRI Hermanus station commander Andre Barnard said a team was dispatched after eye-witness reports of two people appearing to be lifeless as a result of drowning.

“The sea rescue craft Rotarian Burnett was launched, NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle, and St Johns ambulance services responded directly to the scene. WC Government Health EMS was activated.

“While responding, additional calls were being received of two women washed off the old harbour wall by waves at the Hermanus Old Harbour.

“CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced. They were brought to the NSRI rescue station, where CPR was continued by paramedics.

“Sadly, after all the efforts to resuscitate the two women were exhausted, they were declared deceased by paramedics.”

Barnard said the bodies of the two sisters, aged 60 and 62, from Ceres, had been taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Paulse had one of the most decorated careers in South African rugby history. When he hung up his boots after the 33-6 loss to the All Blacks in Christchurch on July 14, 2007, he had won 64 Test caps – and scored 26 tries – then fourth on the all-time Springbok list.

He was a member of the 1999 World Cup squad and received the honour of being named the SA Player of the Year in 2000. He played in his second World Cup in 2003 and helped the Springboks win their second Tri-Nations title in 2004.

The following year, he moved to France where he took up a contract with Clermont but continued to play for the Boks as South Africa had abandoned their policy of excluded overseas-based players from national selection at the time.

The small, electrifying winger scored a hat-trick on his senior debut for Western Province in 1996 where he played the majority of his provincial career bar the one-year stint at Clermont. His elusive running and trademark flip after crossing the whitewash made him a huge crowd favourite. He remains one of the Stormers’ most beloved sons.

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