Former Springbok Pedrie Wannenburg dead at 41

Former Springboks back row Pedrie Wannenburg has passed away at the age of 41 following a road traffic accident in the United States.

Wannenburg sadly lost his life in a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Saturday morning near Houston, Texas, where he was based. His son remains in critical condition in hospital.

Local reports state that the car that Wannenburg and his family were driving in was hit by another vehicle that was evading police when it struck the rugby coach's car at high speed.

The former Springboks, Bulls, Ulster, Castres, Oyonnax and Denver loose-forward had taken up coaching and was a mentor at Austin Elite in Texas at the time of his untimely death.

Between 2002 and 2007, he made 20 appearances for the Springboks during his time with the team.

Wannenburg was also a key player of the Vodacom Bulls team from 2002 to 2010, winning over 100 Vodacom Super Rugby caps in the process.

Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the versatile forward, saying: "Pedrie will be remembered as one of the first real versatile loose forwards who could play in any position in the back row and even though he played in only 20 Tests, his record in the colours of the Bulls, during a period where they dominated on all levels, is nearly unmatched."

“After he finished his career in South Africa, he went on to make a big impact playing club rugby in Ireland, France and later the USA, and he started giving back to the game in a coaching capacity after he retired a few years ago.

“Pedrie was a fun-loving and hard-working man and someone who gave all he had on the pitch, but afterwards always had a smile on his face. He represented his country with aplomb – who will ever forget the try he scored in the narrow victory over the All Blacks in Rustenburg in 2006?"

“To lose someone at the cusp of the rest of his life with a young family, after a long and storied rugby career is extremely sad and our thoughts are with his wife, Evette, their two children, Isabelle and Francois, as well as his parents and other family members, loved ones and friends during this very difficult time.”

The Bulls said in a statement that: "The Vodacom Bulls continue to pray for his son, who remains in a critical condition after being rushed to hospital.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Evette, his children, family, former teammates and friends."

A moment of silence will be held in honour of Wannenburg ahead of the start of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship match between the Vodacom Bulls and Benetton Rugby.

Former Golden Lions coach and friend Eugene Eloff posted on Facebook: "I am shattered.. have no words. Just heard that my friend Pedrie Wannenburg passed away in a car accident. His family was in the car with him. Devastating news RIP wonderful man. You will be missed so much. My heart goes out to Evett and the kids. Keeping you in my heart and prayers.”

Ulster Rugby posted that they are "deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former flanker, Pedrie Wannenburg following a car crash in Texas.

"The Springbok played a major role in Ulster’s Heineken Cup and Pro12 campaigns, making 54 appearances for the Ulster men between 2010 and 2012."

Former Ulster teammate Stephen Ferris wrote: "Extremely sad news to wake up to this morning. Former team mate at Ulster, Pedrie Wannenburg, has tragically passed away in a car accident. Pedrie was a legend of the game and one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Thoughts are with his wife Evette and his young kids."

Rugby Players Ireland posted: "So sorry to hear that former Ulster Rugby and Springboks player Pedrie Wannenburg has passed away. Our sympathies are with his family, friends and the South African rugby community. May he rest in peace."