'He treasured the ethos of the game': SA Rugby pays tribute to Stofberg
UPDATE: Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to former Springbok captain Marthinus Theunis Steyn (Theuns) Stofberg, who sadly passed away on Wednesday following a serious car accident outside Stellenbosch on Monday.
He was 68.
Stofberg was on his way back home after visiting family members when he was involved in a head-on collision on the R304.
“His many injuries were too severe for his body to recover and he passed away early on Wednesday morning,” said a statement from the family.
Stofberg, who was born on 6 June 1955, captained the Boks in four of his 21 Tests between 1976 and 1984, including the first Test on the infamous 1981 tour of New Zealand, scoring a total of six Test tries.
Stofberg won the Currie Cup in the colours of three different teams – the Cheetahs (1976), Bulls (1979, ‘80) and Western Province (1982, ‘83) – a distinction he held alone until current Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen equalled the feat.
“To say Theuns Stofberg made an immense mark on South African rugby in a difficult time in the history of our game, would be somewhat of an understatement,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.
“He made his Test debut against the All Blacks in 1976, only a year after playing for the SA Under-21s, and played in all four Tests in the series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 1980.
“In 1981, Theuns was a member of the Bok squad that toured New Zealand in very challenging circumstances, and he concluded his Test career at the age of 29 by captaining the Boks against England in the two Tests in South Africa in 1984.
“Lifting the Currie Cup only once is a highlight in the career of many, but Theuns did so five times with three different provinces, which is an amazing feat. He was a humble and hard-working rugby player who excelled at flank and lock, representing the Boks in both positions.
“Theuns held a deep love of rugby, he treasured the ethos and camaraderie of the game, and he ensured that he and his former teammates stayed in touch over the years.
“He was well-respected all over the world and a wonderful ambassador for South Africa.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Martie, their four children, Elni, Theunis, Johan and Anzél and their spouses, their grand-children, other family and friends in this time of grief.”
Theuns Stofberg arguably💔 the greatest 7 flank of the 80s ,and Springbok Capt .Has passed on after his horrific accident RIP My pel 🙏🙏 condolences to Ansie and family 💔💔
— Rob Louw (@roblouw6) August 23, 2023
Very sad news🙏🙏🙏😢😢
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) August 23, 2023
Vrystaat Rugby het met groot hartseer verneem van die afsterwe van ‘n oud Vrystaat en Spingbok rugbyspeler, Theuns Stofberg.
Dit is vir die Cheetah-familie se harte is seer en betuig ons innige simpatie met sy familie en vriende. 😔 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Z5iuXhbsLD
— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) August 23, 2023
