Andy van der Watt.

News24 reports that Van der Watt, who was born in Krugersdorp but finished his schooling in KZN, was once described as “the fastest wing to play for the Springboks”, with a time of 10.4 seconds his best in the 100m dash.

Following the completion of his school career at Maritzburg College in KZN, Van der Watt - who was born on 10 October 1946 - spent a year at the Air Force in Pretoria before moving to Stellenbosch University, where he studied physical education and played for Maties from 1967 to 1971.

In 1969, he scored twice for WP and a hat-trick for the Gazelles (SA U23) against the touring Wallabies, after which he was included in the Springbok squad for the UK tour at the end of that season.

Van der Watt played three Tests for South Africa on the UK tour of in 1969/70, and played most of his provincial rugby for Western Province, but also featured for Border and the Sharks, then still called Natal.

He also toured Australia in 1971 and finished with 14 tries in a total of 22 matches in the Green and Gold. Van der Watt retired from rugby in 1975.

“Andy van der Watt was very fast and strong for a wing and had a great eye for space, which made him a tough prospect for opposition defences,” said Mr Alexander.

“He will be remembered as a very modest man but when he donned his rugby boots, he became very determined, and he never gave anything but his best to any team he represented.

“After hanging up his boots, Van der Walt went into teaching and spent 37 years at Hilton College in the KZN midlands, where he also ploughed back into the game by coaching rugby, which included the school’s first team.

“On behalf of the South African rugby family, I would like to pass on our condolences to Vere, his wife of over 50 years, their children, other family and friends in this time of bereavement – may you find solace in the memories of a great man.”