Sharks mourn Visagie death

Sharks mourn Visagie death

The KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and The Sharks have expressed sadness at the death of former Natal scrumhalf Gawie Visagie.

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He passed away this morning after a battle with cancer.

Having joined Natal from Griqualand West, Visagie played 42 games for Natal between 1981 and 1985.

Though essentially a scrumhalf, he impressed at flyhalf for Natal in the 1984 Currie Cup final played against Western Province. Gawie was a well-liked and respected former player who still had great passion for rugby.

In August this year the team of 1984, which Gawie was a proud member of, celebrated their 30-year reunion with a dinner that was held in Mount Edgecombe. Gawie’s fight against cancer was recognised at this function with many stalwarts present to wish him well.

The current CEO of the KZNRU, Pete Smith, believes he’s very fortunate that his rugby playing days overlapped with that of Gawie Visage and commented: "The passing too soon of Gawie Visagie will be mourned by many. Everyone who knew Gawie will attest to the fact that he was one of the most popular players and personalities ever to have been involved in club, provincial and international rugby. We at KZNRU and The Sharks extend our sincere condolences to Gawie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Visagie is survived by his wife Janet, and their two children.

He toured New Zealand with the Springboks in 1981.

Visagie was born in 1955.

(File Photo: Andre Bloem)

Twitter - @SportswaveAndre @ECRSportswave

 

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