Minute’s silence at DHL Newlands

There will be a minute’s silence observed at DHL Newlands before kick-off in the Vodacom Super Rugby clash between the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls in memory of former Springbok Gert Kotze and long serving WPRFU Primary Schools Executive John Nkalitshana.

Kotze was a prop who played for Western Province from 1963 to 1969, winning two Currie Cups and earning selection in the Springbok team.

He was a powerful front rower who turned in many stirring performances in the blue and white hoops at DHL Newlands.

Kotze sadly passed away at the age of 80 and is survived by his wife Margrieth, their children Gerrit and Namari, and three grandchildren.

Having served on the WPRFU Primary Schools Executive, Nkalitshana has done much for rugby development in the region. He tragically passed away in a recent car accident and will be missed by the wider rugby community along with his family and friends.

Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais said that both of these men left their mark on rugby.

“Gert Kotze and John Nkalitshana were both key figures in their own way and it is only fitting that we pay tribute to their memory in this way,” he said.