Remembering Chester Williams, the forefather of Springbok excellence
Chester Williams, the first non-white Springbok player and a symbol of unity in South African rugby, inspired generations of non-white players and played a pivotal role in the nation’s attempt at healing post-Apartheid. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
While Rassie Erasmus is widely regarded as the man who has done the most for Springbok rugby, that honour could just as easily go to Chester Williams.
The late Williams’ contribution to the game in South Africa cannot be understated.
As the first non-white player to play for the Springboks post isolation, Williams was one of the biggest stars of the 1995 Rugby World Cup (RWC).
As the only player in that famous squad who wasn’t white, Williams achieved true unification of the nation.
Chester Williams: A Symbol of Unity in South African Rugby
For the first time, a country that was around 90% non-white, there was finally a player that looked like that majority of the nation.
Of course, Nelson Mandela was correctly credited as seeing the true power sport had to unite South Africa, but Williams was the poster boy.
A dazzling wing despite his extra muscle, Williams had all the attributes of the perfect wing 30 years ago. Williams’ inclusion in the side was highly symbolic of a nation attempting to begin healing the scars of apartheid, although whether that will ever really be achieved is more difficult to say.
His defensive ability was right up there with his speed though, and together with the late Joost van der Westhuizen, the Springboks had two of the best tacklers in the game.
Williams’ Legacy: Inspiring Generations of Non-White Rugby Players
However great Williams’ impact was on the team winning that first RWC, his true legacy came after. He served as inspiration for generations of non-white players to believe they too could achieve what he did, and may have far surpassed what Williams could ever have imagined.
One only has to think of legends of SA rugby that would have drawn inspiration from Williams, including Bryan Habana, Siya Kolisi, Tendai Mtwarira, Makazole Mapimpi, and Lukhanyo Am.
And there are still hordes coming through the pipelines in a sport that can hold its head high for its transformation and development.
Wherever Williams is, he would be proud too.