Share

SA Rugby pays tribute to Sir Colin Meads

Cape Town - SA Rugby president, Mark Alexander, on Sunday paid tribute to Sir Colin Meads, New Zealand’s player of the 20th century – and one of the greatest of any nation of all time – who passed away on Sunday, aged 81.

He was as famous and as revered in South African rugby circles as he was in his homeland, touring South Africa twice and playing against the Springboks in 10 of his 55 tests. He visited South Africa with the All Blacks in 1960 and 1970 and opposed the Springboks at home in 1965.

“He was arguably the best of our best and fiercest rivals in the 20th century and everyone in every rugby community in our country was aware of Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads,” said Alexander.

“He achieved legendary status even while still playing and his reputation for ferocious and fearless play was the epitome of what New Zealand rugby stands for in South Africa.

“As much as New Zealand rugby is in mourning today, so is South African rugby. On behalf of the whole South African rugby community I would like to pass on our condolences to his widow, Lady Verna and the Meads family and the entire New Zealand rugby community. We are united in memory today.”

In a career that spanned almost two decades, Sir Colin played 361 first class matches, a feat only recently surpassed by Keven Mealamu. He appeared for the All Blacks 133 times in all matches, 11 as captain.

Brent Impey, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby board, said: “He will be remembered as possibly the most treasured legend of our game.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE