Tribute to Ruben Kruger

It was with great sadness that the South African Rugby Legends Association received the sad news of the passing of one the great icons of Springbok Rugby, Ruben Kruger.

Born Ruben Jacobus Kruger in Vrede on 30th March 1970 he played in 36 test matches between 1993 and 1999, the highlight being part of Kitch Christies winning 1995 Rugby World Cup Team. He was forced to retire from the game he so loved in 2000 after it was discovered he was suffering from malignant brain tumours.

Former All Black lock Ian 'Kamo' Jones referred to Kruger as an honest, no nonsense hard playing loose forward and a fierce competitor. Jones had visited Vrede last year to lay a wreath at the Langverwacht New Zealand Boer War Memorial where he met Rubens mother and his brother Ben.

Gavin Varejes, John Allan and all at the SA Rugby Legends Association pass on the deepest sympathy and condolences to the Kruger family and bid farewell to a true giant of the game who sadly lost the battle after a brave 10 year struggle.

Rest well Ruben, we certainly wont forget you - a true South African Rugby Legend!