Gawie Visagie
The KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union and the Sharks are saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Natal scrumhalf Gawie Visagie, who passed away this morning (Wednesday) after a brave battle with cancer.
Having joined Natal from Griqualand West, Visagie played 42 games for Natal between 1981-1985. Though essentially a scrumhalf, he shone at flyhalf for Natal in the 1984 Currie Cup final played against Western Province. Gawie was a well-liked and respected former player who still had such a passion for the game.
In August this year the team of 1984, which Gawie was a proud member of, celebrated their 30-year reunion with a dinner that was held in Mount Edgecombe. Gawie’s fight against cancer was recognised at this function with many stalwarts present to wish him well.
The current CEO of the KZNRU Pete Smith, believes he’s very fortunate that his rugby playing days overlapped with that of Gawie Visage and he said:
“The passing too soon of Gawie Visagie will be mourned by many. Everyone who knew Gawie will attest to the fact that he was one of the most popular players and personalities ever to have been involved in club, provincial and international rugby.
“We at KZNRU and the Sharks extend our sincere condolences to Gawie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Visagie is survived by his wife Janet, and their two children.
Gawie Visagie was nominated for SA Rugby Young Player of the Year in 1979.
Rest In Peace, Gawie!
A famous name even here in France
Very sad news.
Gawie was such a character at collegians and natal rugby.
Still remember his great performance in the cc final at newlands.
Afterwards, newlands was awash with banana trees and celebrating natal supporters. Someone had a weepee flag which was ceremoniously burnt in the garden.
Good times.
@ Charo:
It really is sad news.
Something on a lighter note about Gawie: a while ago I had a chat with Hennie Bekker about some loosies not pulling their weight in the scrums. He mentioned the one incident when Rob Louw didn’t scrum properly behind Henning van Aswegen (when they actually called for an “8 man scrum” beforehand). Henning simply gave Rob a smack after the scrum and he listened after that when the front row would call for a big scrum.
Back to Gawie: on an overseas Barbarians / Junior Bok tour (I’m not sure which it was) roundabout 1979 / 1980, the team picked up quite a few injuries and had to carry on with those players available. The bench also consisted of fewer players back then. Eventually Gawie (who was on the bench) had to play number 8 ! Gawie asked his locks, Hennie and De Villiers Visser, what he had to do in the scrums. Seeing that both of them could scrum, they just told him to scrum properly!! Eventually when the ball had reached the inside centre they had to tell him to stop the scrummaging ! At least he did his best !
I guess there are many of those memories out there.
RIP Gawie
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