Johannesburg - The Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) has paid tribute to a former president of the union, Jannie le Roux, who passed away over the weekend.
Le Roux died at his home in Nelspruit on Sunday at the age of 87.
He was president of the former Transvaal Rugby Union from 1965-1984 and also the first Afrikaans president of the union.
GLRU president president, Kevin de Klerk, commented:
“Le Roux was a very strong leader who was often rated as the successor to Dr Craven for the Presidency of South African Rugby.
“As a very young player I was always encouraged and supported by Oom Jannie and through the union obtained the highest honours any player could wish for.
“He undoubtedly had an enormous influence in his time as president, not only on the Transvaal Rugby Union but South African rugby as a whole.
“Many great players and teams enjoyed their rugby years under his presidency and by those who did, he will be sorely missed.
“On behalf of all of us at the Golden Lions Rugby Union we wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his dear wife Igna, sons Jaco and Anton and daughter Leandie. We also express our condolences to his seven grandchildren.
“As the saying in life goes about prominent leaders: ‘They broke the mould when they made Oom Jannie le Roux’”.