Former Bok in ICU after carjacking

 

Regan Hoskins, the president of the South African Rugby Union sent rugby’s best wishes to 1995 Rugby World Cup winner Strydom.

 

Strydom, 49, who played 21 Tests between 1993 and 1997 and won a winner’s medal at the 1995 final, was attacked in his car as he drove home on Monday evening from the gym. 

 

He suffered a fractured skull as a gang of assailants attacked him before he fought them off.

 

The thieves made off with Strydom’s keys but he was able to walk home and return with a spare set before driving himself to hospital.

 

Strydom is in a stable condition in the Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria.

 

“This is very shocking news and I am sure the whole of the rugby community will join me in wishing Hannes a speedy recovery,” said Hoskins.

 

“He is part of a special group of players in South African rugby history and an attack one of them feels like an attack on all of us.

 

“It is testimony to the character of the man that he survived a stoning of his car and assault by multiple attackers to get himself to safety.

 

“He is in our thoughts and prayers."

 

Internet radio station Ballz Radio spoke to Strydom's friend and teammate Hennie le Roux about the incident.