Teen rugby prodigy dies after battle with meningitis

Frans van der Bergh, a 13-year-old rugby prodigy from Springs, has died of suspected meningitis. His death was confirmed by his mother, Jeanine, in the Facebook group, Bid vir Frans.

The teen from Laerskool Christiaan Beyers recently took part in the U13 Craven Week in Bloemfontein.

SPRINGS RUGBY TEEN DIES OF MENINGITIS

In the Facebook group Bid vir Frans, the mother of Frans van der Bergh confirmed his passing on Wednesday, 4 November.

His school, Laerskool Christiaan Beyers, and his rugby club, Valke Laerskole Rugby, also shared a heartfelt tribute to him.

The 13-year-old reportedly contracted meningitis after developing a severe sinus infection several weeks ago.

Frans, who was treated in the ICU of Glenwood Hospital in Benoni, suffered from seizures after developing an infection near his brain. He was administered strong antibiotic medication.

Before his death, a neurosurgeon decided against performing surgery on the teen.

After his death, his mother, Jeanine, confirmed that she had decided to donate Frans’s organs, six of which went to children in dire health circumstances

Jeanine shared in the Facebook group: “Frans has always had an incredibly big love for the people around him. His heart was full of caring, love and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Even though our hearts break into a million pieces, we find comfort in knowing that our son’s love for others will live on even after his passing.

“My Frans, you always wanted to make a difference in this world. And just look, my child.. You are going to give six other children a chance at a future”

His memorial service will be held on Thursday, 12 November

In June, Frans van der Bergh and the Valke rugby club participated in U13 Craven Week in Bloemfontein. He also played on the first team at his school, Laerskool Christiaan Beyers, where he won several trophies.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Meningitis in children is a serious condition involving inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can develop rapidly,  particularly bacterial meningitis,  and is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment.

• The symptoms include:
• High fever with cold hands and feet
• Stiff neck
• Severe headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Confusion and lethargy
• Seizures

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), there were 65 confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal [bacterial] disease recorded in South Africa in the first two quarters of 2026.