Ex-Lions, Bulls lock beaten to death in France

Cape Town - Barend Britz, a former lock who played provincial rugby in South Africa, died after a violent attack at his bar in Perpignan, France on Thursday night.

Reports in French media indicate that the 63-year-old died upon arrival at a hospital in Perpignan.

Britz owned the famous Bar and Britz nightspot in Perpignan, and according to the France Bleu website, he was attacked by a man who wrecked the bar.

The man reportedly threw several chairs and crushed windows, before striking Britz on the head.

According to the L’independant website, witnesses said a man burst into the bar at around 21:00 before wreaking havoc.

Britz reportedly tried to calm proceedings but was struck several times on the head. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The report added that a suspect, believe to be in his 30s, was later arrested by police and placed in custody.

Britz, who would have turned 64 on December 14, played provincial rugby for Transvaal (Golden Lions) and Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) in the 1980s before moving to France where he played many years for Perpignan.

He retired from rugby in 1996.

Des bougies ce matin à Perpignan devant le Bar and Britz après la mort de Barend Britz, tenancier et ex-joueur de l'USAP, roué de coups hier soir.https://t.co/Z7anM3MUxz pic.twitter.com/8IXq4bR8i9

— France Bleu Roussillon (@bleuroussillon) December 7, 2018

En 1994 quand l’Usap a remporté le Challenge Yves du Manoir, les supporters avaient envahi le terrain pour féliciter les joueurs qui gagnaient un titre après des années de disette. Je me souviendrai toujours du sourire et des larmes de joie de cette montagne qu’était Barend Britz pic.twitter.com/723q1KNxM1

— Olivier Amiel (@OlivierAmiel) December 7, 2018

Le choc ....
Barend Britz, un sacré bonhomme s'en est allé, roué de coups dans son bar ! #barendbritz #rugby #USAP #RIP #sempreendavant pic.twitter.com/2ZztpVVuWf

— Nico Nard (@Nico_Mens) December 7, 2018