Double Tragedy | South Africa Mourns Springbok Legends Jan Boland Coetzee And Bevin Fortuin

South African rugby has been dealt a heartbreaking double blow. Within just 24 hours, two former Springboks Jan Boland Coetzee and Bevin Fortuin passed away, leaving the rugby fraternity in mourning.

Remembering Jan Boland Coetzee

Jan Boland Coetzee, who died on Friday at the age of 80 after a long illness, was more than just a flanker. For Western Province supporters, he was the heartbeat of Newlands in the 1970s, a player who lived and breathed the game with quiet determination.

Coetzee made his Test debut in 1974 against the British & Irish Lions and went on to start all four Tests against the All Blacks in 1976. While his six Springbok caps may sound modest by today’s standards, his influence was massive. Known as one of the finest fetchers of his era, he played 127 matches for Western Province and became a respected figure at Stellenbosch University rugby.

Off the field, Coetzee made his mark in the Cape winelands as a celebrated winemaker, blending his love of people with his passion for craft. Colleagues in the wine industry remember him not only for excellence but also for the dignity and fairness with which he treated farm workers.

On social media, tributes flooded in from former teammates, wine lovers, and fans, calling him “a true gentleman of the game” and “a legend who carried humility as proudly as he carried the green and gold.”

Honouring Bevin Fortuin

Just a day earlier, news broke of the death of Bevin Fortuin at the age of 46. Fortuin, a gifted fullback, represented the Boks against Ireland in Dublin (2006) and Australia in Sydney (2007). While his international career was brief, he became a stalwart in domestic rugby with over 200 appearances combined for the SWD Eagles and Cheetahs.

But Fortuin’s story didn’t end when he retired from playing. He invested in the next generation, coaching with passion and commitment. Most recently, he was head coach of the Northam Rhinos, where players described him as a mentor who gave young talent belief in themselves.

Fans online have been sharing old match clips of his tries, alongside heartfelt messages remembering his role in nurturing rugby in smaller communities. One supporter wrote: “Bevin was proof that rugby greatness isn’t only measured in Test caps but in how many lives you touch.”

A Sad Moment For SA Rugby

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander described the past two days as a “very sad chapter” for the sport. In his tribute, he noted that both men embodied humility, perseverance, and service to others qualities that South African rugby aspires to uphold.

Losing two figures of such stature so close together has left supporters stunned. In taverns, clubhouses, and online forums, the grief is shared widely. But so too is the pride in having witnessed two men who gave their best to the game, each in their own way.

As South Africa prepares for another weekend of rugby, the legacy of Jan Boland Coetzee and Bevin Fortuin will live on in the scrums, line-breaks, and tackles of a sport they helped shape and in the values of humility and community they carried beyond the field.

Source:The South African 

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