Many rugby fans around the world will be carrying around a great sadness upon hearing the news that the former Springbok and 1995 World Cup winner James Small has passed away, aged 50.
Sadly, Small becomes the third member of the 1995 World Cup-winning side to pass away since Francios Pienaar lifted the Web Ellis Cup at an emotional Ellis Park some 24 years ago on a winter's day in June. Every South African alive at the time to see the impossible being done has developed a deep connection to that squad that did so much for nation-building but Small, in particular, was a man that won over many fans with his entertaining play on the wing.
Former Springbok wing James Small has passed away at the age of 50. Small played 47 Tests for the Springboks and was part of the team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup on home soil. Condolences to his family, friends and the rugby fraternity at large. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/NE0VE6xDFj
— Xerox Golden Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 10, 2019
Standing at 6ft 1, Small used to motor up and down the wing for the Springboks, eventually scoring 20 tries in 47 games in a career that spanned five years from 1992-1997. If there was ever any sort conflict on the rugby pitch involving his teammates, Small could be seen breaking the land speed record before launching himself into the centre of the altercation, grabbing any opposing shirt he could find with two hands before asking for an abbreviated explanation as to why the perpetrator shouldn't be the fortunate recipient of a punch or two.
There was a reason Small's teammates gave him the nickname of ‘No Rules' but really, he changed the game of rugby in South Africa for the better.
Yes, he was misunderstood and at the time of his untimely death in Johannesburg, there would have been those still suspicious of Small but at the end of the day, the ex-Springbok winger had a big heart and his first intention was to always do good. It was indeed Small who was the most eager out of the 1995 World Cup-winning side to learn the words to the new national anthem after the end of Apartheid and also Small, who stood in the prison cell of Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, overcome with emotion as he looked back on the long road to freedom the great statesman had to walk.
On this day in 1995…
Nelson Mandela presented South Africa captain Francois Pienaar with the World Cup trophy after a 15-12 victory over New Zealand 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yxeI3sNEl1
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) June 24, 2018
At the time of any sporting death, you'll often hear the expression, “they don't make them like that anymore” but it must be said, in Small's case, it is so true.
If the current Springbok team had an ounce of the enthusiasm that James Small had they would be going into the World Cup final as favourites and not at an outside 8/1 in rugby union betting. With that in mind, the Springboks will no doubt call on the memory of their legendary ex-winger when in Japan which may inspire a spirited performance from the men in green and gold. Small, like all of the 1995 World Cup-winning squad, have gone down in the annals of rugby history and will forever be remembered as giants of the game who were able to bring a nation together. For that and everything else, the rugby world salutes James Small and thanks him for his contribution towards the wonderful game.
