Peter de Villiers

South African Deaf Rugby Association Director of Rugby Peter de Villiers has announced the squad for the International Deaf Rugby Sevens. Photo: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images

RIP: Yet more tragedy for former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers

The body of the wife of former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was found floating in a swimming pool in Gqeberha on Monday.

Peter de Villiers

South African Deaf Rugby Association Director of Rugby Peter de Villiers has announced the squad for the International Deaf Rugby Sevens. Photo: Shaun Roy / Gallo Images

The body of the wife of former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was found floating in a swimming pool in Gqeberha on Monday.

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The devastating news of the death of 62-year-old Theresa de Villiers represents more tragedy for the ex-national coach who lost his daughter to cancer in late 2019.

Odille Monk fought a brave fight against the disease, but died aged just 28.

According to the HeraldLIVE website, an inquest docket was opened after a woman’s body was found floating in a pool, with the body of the deceased identified as Theresa de Villiers.

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

Police spokesperson captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said no foul play was suspected.

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“The deceased is from Paarl but was visiting family in Gqeberha. She was found in the pool by a family member.

“The circumstances surrounding the drowning is under investigation,” Janse van Rensburg added.

The report further states De Villiers was contacted, but said he was unable to talk about what had happened.

Peter de Villiers coached the Springbok in 48 Tests

De Villiers coached the Springboks from 2008 to 2011, with a controversial defeat to Australia in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final coming at the end of his tenure.

While not everyone’s cup of tea while at the helm of the Springboks, under De Villiers’ leadership the national side won 30 of their 48 Tests.

That 62.5% win percentage included a 47% win percentage against the All Blacks, having played them 11 times, winning 5 and losing 6 of those matches.

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Recently, after a brief spell coaching with Eastern Province Rugby, it emerged last year that he was looking to take up a career in politics.

Tragically, the De Villiers’ daughter Odille Monk lost her battle with cancer towards the end of 2019.

According to You magazine, she had eight chemotherapy courses over a period of seven months, followed by 20 radiation sessions, but sadly passed away at the age of just 28.

“It was God’s will,” Peter de Villiers told the magazine.

“It was in His hands I had her for 28 joyous years.

“I choose to live in those 28 years, rather than in the years that might’ve been. She’d fought to the bitter end. I’d never seen anyone fight like that.”

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