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Cape Town - Oregan Hoskins, the president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), led tributes from the rugby community to legendary sports photographer, Duif du Toit, who passed away on Thursday following a short illness.
Du Toit, who was 57 when he died, photographed the Springboks on numerous international tours and in Test matches and performed the considerable feat of remaining utterly professional at the same time as being a popular and welcome figure among the rugby community.
“Everyone knew Duif for his ever-ready smile, his laugh and his gentle manner,” said Hoskins.
“His presence was never intrusive but his old fashioned politeness meant that he always got his shot.
“He was known throughout the rugby world as a great friend of the sport and for rarely losing his cool in often trying circumstances. And he was an unmistakeable figure on touchlines around the rugby world for his trademark shorts - even for Test matches in the New Zealand winter.
“The term, ‘legend’ is bandied about very easily, but Duif truly was one such. The rugby reporting community will not be the same without him among their number. I am sure a toast will be drunk to his memory. We will all miss him terribly.”
Hoskins sent his condolences to Du Toit’s wife and son and to his colleagues at Gallo Images, the official photography partner of SARU, for which Du Toit worked.
“Duif’s images will live on for as long as rugby is played,” said Hoskins.
