Chester Williams: South Africa World Cup winner dies aged 49

Our partners utilize technology, like cookies, and collect info that is browsing to provide you with the ideal internet experience and to personalise the content and advertisements.
Please let us know if you agree.
Former South Africa 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams and international has died at the age of 49.
Williams played 27 Tests to the Springboks between 1993 and 2000, scoring 14 attempts.
The prior wing was was the only black player in the World Cup-winning group that conquered opponents New Zealand 15-12 in South Africa 24 decades back.
“Chester has been a real leader in African American rugby,” stated Mark Alexanderthe president of SA Rugby.
“His performances in the World Cup in 1995, as a photo of his Springbok profession, will forever be etched into the hearts and minds of our rugby public.
“The news of Chester’s death is catastrophic and hard to believe, since he was still young and seemingly in good health.”
Williams also played for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
Since retiring as a player in 2001, Williams had bouts training the Springbok Sevens staff, Super Rugby’s Cats and the Pumas in South Africa.
Alexander added:”He was passionate about rugby and South Africa and as trainer, at various levels, selflessly gave back to the game after he hung up his boots. He played with courage and has been a beacon of light in his community and in the wider context.
“Chester Williams had much more to give. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Maria, his kids, friends and family during this very sad time.”
South Africa has lost four members of its World Cup team.
Williams’ death comes just two months later winger James Small died of a heart attack aged 50.
Two years ago Joost van der Westhuizen expired after combating motor neurone disease while flanker Ruben Kruger expired in 2010 from cancer.
Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams discusses his entire life after football
Get headlines and latest scores delivered right to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online.
The way to enter rugby union – throughout the age groups around the 15-player match or attempt rugby sevens, which made its Olympic debut in 2016.
Enjoy the debate, analysis and interviews with BBC 5 live and World Service and our rugby union remark Posts.