Ex-Transvaal Fullback Liaan Kirkham sadly passed away after being involved in a motor accident on Saturday 10 October.

Liaan made his debut for Transvaal in 1980 and commanded a place in the starting XV until 1987. He was an exciting player to watch, as he liked a style of running and attacking play from Fullback. He played in 71 matches for the union, scoring 13 tries and 204 points. He played in two Currie Cup finals for Transvaal, in 1986 on the Right Wing against WP, but unfortunately Transvaal went down 9-22 that day, and also in 1987 against Northern Transvaal at Fullback, and again Transvaal lost 18-24.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this difficult time

8 Responses to Liaan Kirkham killed in car crash

  • 1

    Condolences to the family.

    This man was truly a very good Rugby player to watch.

  • 2

    my sincerest condolences to his loved ones.

  • 3

    Sammajoor 4man alerted me to this… and apparently Liaan was on the Bench for the Bokke once in 1984.

    Rest well, rugger bugger… and all the best to the family, my condolences and that of Rugby-Talk goes out to you!

    When one member of our rugby family dies, the rugby family grieves together…

  • 4

    Thanks for putting this up GBS. Liaan was very close to a great friend of mine and I met him a few times, he also played against one of my schoolmates Athol Culpan who ran a 10.2 100 metres in matric…so I have knnown him for a long time. Liaan was a very successful stockbroker and is one of those players who did very well in his personal life too. My friend has been asked to do the Eulogy at the funeral. We hhad a drink last night at the venue they shared together last Friday before Liaan was killed as he drove out his boom gates, by a speeding car overtaking coming from the opposite direction. Well know for his sylph like running skills this flaxen haired gentleman will be strongly missed by friends an family alike. Go well friend and Rest In Peace

  • 5

    @ 4man:
    Hi 4man…Enjoying your SA adventure?

  • 6

    RIP Liaan.

    Glad we had to opportunity to meet up with you, Donovan and I.
    I still recall you had a Hansa with us in Mafikeng that day after the Stellaland match.
    Liaan was a bit like Brent Russell, just as nippy, exciting and lion-hearted.
    Another SA legend legend gone, sad indeed.

  • 7

    @ 4man:
    See you Sunday sammajoor, CAZ, ifo white church.

  • 8

    I remember that era well, my mates and I spent many a saturday at Ellispark in those days, guys like Martin Knoetse, Heinrich Fulls etc. Those were the days when the Lions were buiding a force to be reckoned with, perhaps not winning trophies, but it was good days nonetheless.

    Even eastern Province games in those days were very competitive.

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