'A hero, a great Bok, a friend': Tributes pour in for James Small
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Image: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
Tributes poured in on social media on Wednesday as news spread of former Springbok James Small's death.
Small, who turned 50 earlier this year, was part of the Springbok team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Many hailed the player, known as a rebel, as a childhood hero who inspired them to play the game.
People from all walks of life shared their feelings on Twitter and Facebook. Here are some of the tributes:
I'm shocked and v saddened to hear about James Small. Not the easiest oke to ref on the field but one of the kindest off it. Amazing self belief and always keen to challenge, its probably what made him special. A hero, a great Bok, a friend.. RIP Bro. You made the most of life!
— Jonathan Kaplan (@RefJK) July 10, 2019
R.I.P James Small...inspired my love for the game from a young age. I’ll never forget when I was 14 you literally...
Posted by Corné Wheeler on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
THE HEAVENS HAVE GAINED ANOTHER ANGEL! RIP JAMES SMALL. YOU CHANGED THE WAY A WING PLAYED THE GAME OF RUGBY. I HOPE...
Posted by Matthew Small on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Rest in Peace, James Small.
— IG: blitzbokke7s (@BlitzBokke) July 10, 2019
A rebel and a #Springbok
10 February 1969 - 10 July 2019#RIPJamesSmall pic.twitter.com/ZCwhNBqag5
I had these posters, the epic short of James Small, Andre Joubert and Jooste vd Westhuizen being my favourite. #RIPJamesSmall pic.twitter.com/Dfd5rdgusg
— Baba wakhe (@Mantshinga) July 10, 2019
Met James Small once at coaching clinic. Brilliant guy, greeted every player and took time out for everyone even the fathers of the players after the clinic.
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 10, 2019
World Cup Winner and did what very few men could and kept Jonah Lomu off the scoresheet. #RIPLegend
James Small was such a great player. and still one of the best lookers ever to wear the Springbok jersey. #RIPJAMESSMALL pic.twitter.com/EN9WnhZew9
— Mia (@MiaMthombeni) July 10, 2019
In 95 our school gave us an opportunity to write to our rugby heroes before the World Cup started,without hesitation I knew who I would write to and I got a reply,James Small was one the greatest to ever play the game,my heart raced when I saw him a few months ago #RIPJamesSmall pic.twitter.com/M2K9CEKL4T
— Vuyolwethu Ngcukana (@vuyomse) July 10, 2019
Rest in peace , James Small.....portion of my childhood belongs to you .✌🏿
— Mayihlome (@MTshwete) July 10, 2019
I remember the 1995 RWC Final and a particular joke about James Small stopping Jonah Lomu, “Give James Small a Bakkie and tell him Lomu is the highway” #RIPJamesSmall
— Herman Pooe (@hermanAKAsox) July 10, 2019
Really hard to believe. The man had spirit. That tackle on Jonah Lomu is in the history books. Now they can play again up above. James Small RIP https://t.co/K1dEOMAKI6
— Garfield (@Suseq6) July 10, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing of Rugby great James Small...my condolences to his family and thank you for all you did for SA Rugby(remember you being in our changeroom in 96 Afcon...RIP Brother!!
— Mark Fish (@markfish74) July 10, 2019
A picture that says a thousand stories! Saddened by the passing of the legendary left wing James Small. He will always spread light wherever he is 🙏🏽#RIPJamesSmall #SSRugby #Springboks #JamesSmall pic.twitter.com/BbZ7ZPbmIB
— Barry Scharneck (@barry_scharneck) July 10, 2019
Oh no 🥺. I had a pair of short black rugby shorts branded "James Small" They were my absolute favourites. When I met him some years later at a game at Ellis Park, I told him about those shorts, he laughed loud and insisted we have a springbok. (shooter)
— Kabelo (@KbzFire) July 10, 2019
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Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.