The rugby world was shocked on Wednesday by the death of 1995 World Cup hero James “Bushy” Small.
Small, aged 50, died of a suspected heart attack after being rushed to hospital in Johannesburg on Tuesday night.
The former Western Province, Golden Lions and Sharks wing will be best remembered for his heroics in keeping New Zealand giant Jonah Lomu at bay during the 1995 World Cup final.
His determined effort on defence helped South Africa to a 15-12 win.
Small made his international debut in 1992 against the All Blacks and played his 47th and final Test against Scotland in 1997. He scored 20 Test tries and was the national team’s top-scorer at one stage.
Tributes poured in for Small – the third member of the 1995 playing squad that passed on, after flank Ruben Kruger and scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen.
We send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Former Springbok winger #JamesSmall. He will be remembered for his role in the 1995 World Cup final win over New Zealand. [Photo cred: @Springboks] pic.twitter.com/TD291DAL9V
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 10, 2019
Saru president Mark Alexander says: “James, as a member of the triumphant World Cup squad from 1995, will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of the South African public and we were devastated to hear of his passing.
“He always played with the type of passion and courage that encapsulate what Springbok rugby stands for, and he lived his life in the same way.”
Small tackles Lomu.Photo: MARK BAKER/Supplied
Former Springbok teammate pays tribute to legend James Small.
Breyton Paulse: “So sad, RIP CHAMP!”
So sad,RIP CHAMP! https://t.co/UVLK0ozkhq
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) July 10, 2019
Kobus Wiese: “God speed Bushy, devastating day in our lives. We lost a friend, a brother.”
God speed Bushy, devastating day in our lives😞We lost a friend, a brother🙏
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) July 10, 2019
Jonathan Kaplan: “I’m shocked and v saddened to hear about James Small. Not the easiest oke to ref on the field but one of the kindest off it.
Amazing self belief and always keen to challenge, it's probably what made him special. A hero, a great Bok, a friend... RIP Bro. You made the most of life!”
I'm shocked and v saddened to hear about James Small. Not the easiest oke to ref on the field but one of the kindest off it. Amazing self belief and always keen to challenge, its probably what made him special. A hero, a great Bok, a friend.. RIP Bro. You made the most of life!
— Jonathan Kaplan (@RefJK) July 10, 2019
Tonderai Chavhanga: “So sad to hear about the passing of Springbok legend James Small. God’s comforting peace and love to his family. #RIPJamesSmall”
So sad to hear about the passing of Springbok legend James Small. God’s comforting peace and love to his family #RIPJamesSmall
— Tonderai Chavhanga (@tchavhanga) July 10, 2019
Herschelle Gibbs: “Just heard the sad news about the ex @Springboks winger James Small who passed away today really sad! Rip big man!”
Just heard the sad news about the ex @Springboks winger James Small who passed away today😞 really sad! Rip big man!
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) July 10, 2019