RIP | SA Rugby pays tribute to Springbok great Joggie Jansen

Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, has led tributes to former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen, one of the most uncompromising defenders of his generation, who sadly passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday morning.

Jansen, who was born in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape on 5 February 1948, suffered a heart attack in Otjiwarongo in Nambia, where he was visiting, as first reported by The South African.

He earned 10 Test caps for South Africa between 1970 and 1972, scoring one try.

Legendary tackle

Making his Test debut against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970 against New Zealand, Jansen went on to play in all four Tests of that memorable series, with his tackle on All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell subsequently been regarded as one of the most memorable hits in rugby history.

Joggie Jansen, who played his provincial rugby for the Free State and was a member of their 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad, went on to feature prominently for the Springboks, also playing in Tests against France, Australia and England during his international career, while he also represented South Africa in five further tour matches, scoring five tries.

‘Loss to the wider SA rugby family’

Alexander paid tribute to Joggie Jansen, saying his passing was a loss to the wider South African rugby family.

“Joggie Jansen was a proud Springbok who represented his country with the commitment and courage required to wear the green and gold jersey at Test level,” said Alexander.

“He was a formidable rugby player and a wonderful example of the uncompromising spirit that characterised the Springboks of his generation. His famous tackle against New Zealand is part of Springbok folklore, but his contribution went far beyond one moment. He was a Test player for South Africa and therefore an important part of our rugby heritage.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, former team-mates and all those who knew and loved him. May they find comfort in the memories of a remarkable rugby man and in the knowledge that his contribution to the Springbok story will not be forgotten.

“He leaves behind a legacy that stretches beyond his 10 Test appearances: that of a player who wore the green and gold in an extraordinary era and whose commitment, toughness and famous defensive skills have ensured that his name remains part of Springbok rugby folklore.”

Factfile: Joggie Jansen

Full names: Joachim Scholtz Jansen

Date of birth: 5 February 1948

Place of birth: Griekwastad

School: Griekwastad

Springbok #444

Physical: 1.83m, 86.2kg

Date of death: 30 August 2026 (Age 78)

Test summary: Tests: 10 Tries: 1

First Test: 25 July 1970 – Inside centre against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Last Test: 3 June 1972 – Inside centre against England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Test history

Date	Opponent	Venue	Result
25 July 1970	New Zealand	Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria	Won 17-6
8 Aug 1970	New Zealand	Newlands, Cape Town	Lost 9-8
29 Aug 1970	New Zealand	Boet Erasmus, Port Elizabeth	Won 14-3
12 Sept 1970	New Zealand	Ellis Park, Johannesburg	Won 20-17
12 June 1971	France	Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein	Won 22-9
19 June 1971	France	Kings Park, Durban	Draw: 8-8
17 July 1971	Australia	Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney	Won 19-11
31 July 1971	Australia	Brisbane Exhibition Ground, Brisbane	Won 14-6
7 Aug 1971	Australia	Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney	Won 18-6
3 June 1972	England	Ellis Park, Johannesburg	Lost 18-9