Chester Williams: South Africa World Cup winner dies aged 49
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Former South Africa 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams and international has died at the age of 49.
Williams played 27 Tests to the Springboks between 1993 and 2000, scoring 14 tries.
The prior wing has been was that the only black player in the World Cup-winning team that defeated rivals New Zealand 15-12 in South Africa 24 decades ago.
“Chester was a true pioneer in African American rugby,” said Mark Alexanderthe president of SA Rugby.
“His performances in the World Cup in 1995, as a picture of his Springbok livelihood, will forever be etched into the hearts and minds of our rugby public.
“The information of Chester’s passing is catastrophic and difficult to believe, since he was still young and seemingly in good health.”
Williams also played for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
Williams had spells training the Springbok Sevens staff, Super Rugby’s Cats as well as the Pumas in South Africa since retiring as a player in 2001.
Alexander added:”He was passionate about rugby and South Africa and as trainer, at various levels, selflessly gave back into the match after he hung up his boots. He played with courage and was a beacon of light in the broader African context and in his area.
“Chester Williams had much more to offer. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Maria, his kids, family and friends during this very sad moment.”
South Africa has lost four members of its World Cup team.
Williams’ death comes only two months later winger James Small died of a heart attack.
While flanker Ruben Kruger died from brain cancer in 2010 two years ago Joost van der Westhuizen expired after motor neurone disease.
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