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Former South Africa 1995 World Cup winner Chester Williams and international has died at age 49.
Williams played 27 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 2000, scoring 14 attempts.
The former wing was was that the only black player in the World Cup-winning team that defeated rivals New Zealand 15-12 in South Africa 24 years ago.
“Chester has been a genuine pioneer in African American rugby,” said Mark Alexander, the president of SA Rugby.
“His performances in the World Cup in 1995, as a snapshot of his Springbok profession, will forever be etched into the hearts and minds of our rugby public.
“The news of Chester’s death is devastating and difficult to believe, since he was still young and seemingly in good health.”
Williams played domestically for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
Since retiring as a player in 2001, Williams had spells coaching the Springbok Sevens team, Super Rugby’s Cats as well as the Pumas at South Africa.
Alexander added:”He was enthusiastic about rugby and South Africa and as coach, at various levels, selflessly gave back into the match after he wrapped up his boots. He played with guts and was a beacon of light into the wider context and in his community.
“Chester Williams had much more to provide. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Maria, his kids, family and friends during this very sad moment.”
South Africa has now lost four members of its World Cup winning team.
Williams’ departure comes only two months later fellow winger James Small died of a heart attack.
Whilst flanker Ruben Kruger died from cancer in 2010 A couple of years ago Joost van der Westhuizen expired after motor neurone disease.
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