Des van Jaarsfeld According to history books, he has the honor of being the oldest living Springbok.
Van Jaarsveld was born in . Bulawayo after that Rhodesia And on Easter Sunday this year, he celebrated his 95th birthday. March 31, 1929.
he was educated in Milton Jr. and Plumtree School In Bulawayo.
Van Jaarsveld captained the Springboks in their only Test match. Scotland At the Voat Erasmus Stadium in Port Elizabeth April 30, 1960.
He scored one try (equivalent to three points at the time) in one game that day. 18-10 Springbok victory.
Van Jaarsveld played both on the wing and on the wing.
During his playing days, he was affectionately nicknamed “Bald Eagle” because of his pace and bald head.
He was the first Rhodesian to captain South Africa.
After retiring from playing, he worked as a coach and administrator for Rhodesian Rugby during the transition period to Zimbabwe.
In addition to his rugby career, he represented Southern Rhodesia in the 1950 South African Championships as a heavyweight boxer.
He was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1963 New Year Honors for his 'services to sport in Southern Rhodesia'.
Van Jaarsveld briefly entered politics in 1983, when he ran unsuccessfully for the Zimbabwean Senate on the Republican Front led by former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith, losing in a 10-10 draw.
Des van Jaarsveld wears Springbok jersey number 354.
Who is the youngest Springbok?
On the other hand, many people could be forgiven for thinking the following. france stein it is youngest The Springboks so far – or maybe Kanan Moody About that.
both do Although he is among the 15 youngest players to debut in the famous green and gold jersey, he is also not the youngest player to make his debut.
There are 14 teenagers in the top 15 youngest Springboks of all time.
We have to go back 133 years to find the youngest.
That is jack hartley upon September 5, 1891 On tour in the UK.
hartley just 18 years and 18 days When he made his debut for South Africa.
Top 15 youngest Springboks of all time
rank | player | Opponent | Year |
1 | jack hartley | uk | 18 years and 18 days |
2 | davie corps | uk | 19 years and 8 days |
3 | bob lobser | uk | 19 years and 37 days |
Four | Clive Van Reinveld | uk | 19 years and 51 days |
Five | Wally Mills | uk | 19 years and 72 days |
6 | freddie turner | Australia | 19 years and 112 days |
7 | fairy heatley | uk | 19 years and 126 days |
8 | Sid de Melker | uk | 19 years and 158 days |
9 | france stein | Ireland | 19 years and 181 days |
Ten | stevie joubert | Ireland | 19 years and 230 days |
11 | Jackie Powell | uk | 19 years and 260 days |
12 | Kanan Moody | Australia | 19 years and 302 days |
13 | percy jones | uk | 19 years and 321 days |
14 | Chili Boy Lalepel | new zealand | 19 years and 349 days |
15 | Pat Lambie | Ireland | 20 years and 20 days |