Ruben Kruger passed away after a long fight with brain cancer. More details will follow. Ruben Kruger was only 39 years old.

Rubens Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-Ruben-Kruger-in-his-fight-against-Brain-Cancer/129074940190
Opening message on his Facebook page.
“Your love and support overwhelm us as family. YOUR prayers and thoughts carry us through each day. Through the grace of God we will finish the race which is our lives and we will be victorious. We treasure and value each day and each moment and EACH new friend”

Former Springbok and Bulls flank, Ruben Kruger, has died after battling cancer for a number of years. He was 39.

Ruben Jacobus Kruger was born March 30, 1970 in Vrede.

Kruger played for the Springboks between 1993 and 1999.

In 1995, he played in the Rugby World Cup. During this tournament, he made five starts, and scored one try, in the controversial semi-final against France in Durban.

Years later, he admitted that the try was not legitimate. He also played in the 1999 World Cup.

At Provincial level, Ruben Kruger represented the Blue Bulls.

In 1995 Ruben Kruger was named South African Rugby Football Union’s player of the year.

At the end of his rugby career, he became a camera salesman. He owns a Minolta franchise in Pretoria.

He was portrayed in Invictus, a film about Nelson Mandela and the 1995 Springboks, by Grant Roberts.

Here’s a little video, to remind you what Ruben was part of….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVxmC7yLfYQ[/youtube]

Ruben Kruger
Full names: Ruben Jacobus
Date of birth: 30 Mar 1970
Place of birth: Vrede, South Africa
School: Grey College, Bloemfontein
Debut test province: Cheetahs
Physical: 1.87m, 101.6kg
Current age: 39

Test summary: Tests: 36 Tries: 7
First Test: 6 Nov 1993 Age:23 Flank against Argentina at Ferrocarril-Oeste Stadium, Buenos Aires
Last Test: 4 Nov 1999 Age:29 Reserve against New Zealand at Millenium Stadium (Cardiff Arms Park), Cardiff