Former Springbok Coach John Williams Has Died

John Williams, the towering former Springbok coach who led South Africa in their return to international rugby post-isolation, has died. He was 78.

Williams passed away in a Pretoria hospital on Thursday morning after spending 10 days in a coma, according to Bulls president Willem Strauss.

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Former Springbok Coach John Williams Has Died

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Williams:

“John Williams was one of only six people who played for South Africa and then also coached the Boks after unity in 1992. He was a tough-as-nails lock and a great lineout jumper, and because of his knowledge of the game, he had a successful career in coaching.”

“As a true rugby man, John ploughed back into the game after he had hung up his boots and remained a loyal supporter of both the Bulls and the Springboks. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”

An Illustrious Career

Springbok John Williams Died — *Former Springbok Coach John Williams Has Died [Image: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images]*

Williams coached the Springboks in 1992, a pivotal year when the team re-entered the international rugby scene following years of apartheid-related exclusion. Despite a challenging season that saw the Boks win just one of their five Tests, Williams remains a significant figure in South African rugby history.

Williams’ coaching legacy extends beyond the Springboks. He achieved notable success with Northern Transvaal, now the Bulls, leading them to multiple Currie Cup victories in 1987, 1988, and 1991 and sharing the title with Western Province in 1989. He returned to coach the Bulls again in the mid-1990s, cementing his reputation as a rugby strategist.

Before his coaching days, Williams had a remarkable playing career. Standing over two meters tall, he was a formidable lock for Northern Transvaal and the Springboks during the 1970s. He played 13 Tests for South Africa and was part of Currie Cup-winning teams in 1973, 1974, and 1975.

After retiring from rugby, Williams pursued academic success, earning a doctorate in Canada in 1977. He later served as dean of students at North-West University. In 1999, he shifted focus to farming in Limpopo, where he earned accolades as a livestock and game farmer, including being named Farmer of the Year.

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