Former Springbok Prop Ockie Oosthuizen Passes Away at 64

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander paid tribute to former Springbok Ockie Oosthuizen, who passed away early on Wednesday morning at the age of 64… following a short battle with colon cancer.

Oosthuizen played nine Tests at prop for the Springboks between 1981 and 1984. He made his Test debut against Ireland in Cape Town in 1981 and scored one Test try, against South America in Pretoria in 1982.

His last Test was in the 35-9 win over England in Johannesburg in 1984 and in total, Oosthuizen wore the green and gold in 14 matches.

“Ockie was a selfless man who devoted much of his time to helping others – not only in his playing days, but also afterwards,” said Alexander.

“Some may say he was quite outspoken, but he cared deeply for South Africa as a country and the game of rugby, even more so after his retirement and in the latter part of his life.

“Ockie was an uncompromising prop who left an indelible mark with all the provincial teams he played for, as well as the Springboks, during a very difficult time in our rugby history.

“He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of mourning.”

At provincial level, Oosthuizen made his debut for the Leopards (then Western Transvaal) in the mid-70s before moving to the Vodacom Blue Bulls (then Northern Transvaal), with whom he won the Currie Cup, and finally the Xerox Golden Lions (then Transvaal), whom he captained.

More recently Ooshuizen had interests in a Stellenbosch wine farm and the tourism industry.