Former Springbok Joggie Jansen has passed away at the age of 78.

He reportedly died of a heart attack in Namibia on Sunday morning.

Born Joachim Scholtz Jansen in Griekwastad on 5 February 1948, he earned 10 Test caps for South Africa between 1970 and 1972, establishing himself as a formidable inside centre during one of the most demanding eras of international rugby.

Jansen attended Hoërskool Griekwastad alongside his brother Eben. They remain the only two Springboks produced by the Northern Cape school to date.

Dream debut and famous tackle

Jansen made his Springbok debut against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970.

It was his tackle on All Black Wayne Cottrell that caught the world’s attention and became one of the defining moments of his career. As Cottrell received the ball on the blind side, Jansen launched a perfectly timed tackle that helped swing momentum South Africa’s way.

The Springboks went on to win 17-6, giving Jansen a dream international debut.

He scored his only Test try in his second appearance for South Africa, against New Zealand at Newlands on 8 August 1970.

Throughout his career Jansen proved himself to be a skilful and dependable all-round player, capable of contributing both defensively and in attack.

His final Springbok appearance came on 3 June 1972 against England at Ellis Park.

Provincial success and legacy

In provincial rugby, Jansen played for Free State and was a member of the 1976 Currie Cup-winning side that famously beat Western Province 33-16 in the final.

Although his international career lasted only two years, Jansen’s contribution has endured in Springbok history.

He was later ranked 82nd in the South African Rugby Top 100, recognition of his impact during a golden period of South African rugby.