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Former South Africa international and 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams has died at the age of 49.
Williams played 27 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2000, scoring 14 tries.
The prior wing was was that the only black player in the World Cup-winning team that conquered competitions New Zealand 15-12 in South Africa 24 years ago.
“Chester has been a true leader in African American rugby,” said Mark Alexanderthe president of SA Rugby.
“His performances at the World Cup in 1995, as a photo of his Springbok career, will forever be etched into the hearts and minds of the public.
“The information of Chester’s passing is devastating and hard to believe, as he was still young and seemingly in good health”
Williams also played domestically for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
Williams had Super Rugby’s Cats spells coaching the Springbok Sevens team as well as the Pumas at South Africa since retiring as a player in 2001.
Alexander added:”He was passionate about rugby and South Africa and as coach, at different degrees, selflessly gave back into the game after he hung up his boots. He performed with courage and was a beacon of light in the broader African context and in his area.
“Chester Williams had much more to provide. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Maria, his kids, family and friends during this very sad moment.”
South Africa has lost four members of its iconic World Cup winning team.
Williams’ departure comes just two weeks later winger James Small died of a heart attack.
Two years back scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen died after battling motor neurone disease whilst flanker Ruben Kruger expired from brain cancer in 2010.
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