RIP: South Africa Mourns Rugby Player's Sudden Death After Game This Weekend

• Boland Rugby Union confirm the tragic death of Kleinmond RFC player James Jonas on Saturday afternoon
• The union released an official statement on social media to announce the passing of the rugby player
• South African Rugby community mourned the death of the 44-year-old on social media

The South Africa rugby community has been thrown into mourning after the passing of Kleinmond RFC player, James Jonas.

Jonas reportedly died on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He collapsed after playing for Kleinmond RFC against his hometown club, Genadendal RFC, in a regional match in the Overberg.

Boland Rugby Union expressed their heartbreak over the death of the 44-year-old, and out of respect, the first team match between the two clubs was cancelled immediately upon the news of the unfortunate event.

Boland mourns Jonas' tragic death

Boland Rugby Union took to their official Facebook page to confirm the passing of Kleinmond RFC player James Jonas after their match on Saturday afternoon.

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"With deep sadness, we say goodbye to James Jonas, player of Kleinmond RFC. The entire Boland Rugby Union sends condolences to his family, club, and community. Please read our full statement below. May he rest in peace," the statement from Boland Rugby Union reads.

Kleinmond also released an official statement on Facebook to confirm he death of Jonas over the weekend.

"With great sadness, the Boland Rugby Union takes note of the tragic death of James Jonas, a player of Kleinmond Rugby Football Club (RVK), who died on Saturday, July 26, 2025 after a game in the Grootuitdaag series between Kleinmond RVK and Genadendal RVK, the statement reads.

"The first team match between the two clubs was cancelled afterwards out of respect for Jonas, his family, and the wider rugby community.

"Jonas, 44, was not only a dedicated rugby player but also a beloved member of the Overberg community. He was originally from Genadendal, where he also went to school, and later played for Kleinmond - a club he represented with passion and zeal. James' commitment to both clubs has made him a well-known and respected figure in the region.

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"Our thoughts are especially with his wife and two children, who were there on match day to support him and watch him do what he loved - playing rugby."

The news about Jonas' passing came after the death of rugby legend Des van Jaarsveldt, who was the oldest living Springbok before another legend emerged after his passing.

SA mourns the death of James Jonas

Björn Hendricks wrote:

"Joh😢💔!!! The big man was a star, played against him back then. You did what you loved to do until the end, R.I.P. LEGEND!!!"

Joseph Theodore Aploon said:

"Good luck to the extended family... family and friends.. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE 🙏🏿🌻."

Charlotte Mars shared:

"What sad news yoh RIP Wike Good luck to his children, wife and broad family. May God comfort you in this sad time."

Devon John Makka reacted:

"Sympathy and strength to the broad families, colleagues and friends. May GOD comfort your hearts. Rip Vike, old friend."

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Eon Gurah commented:

"Deepest condolences to the players family and friends and also Kleinmond Rugby Club and extended friends and colleagues."

Harriet Visser reacted:

"Oh Vike, with tears in my eyes, I will miss you every day when you come and drive up here, until yesterday, we always talked and waved at each other, my Sadness is Big brother, my friend, such a lovely person, will always miss your smile, can't believe it, love you so much Was for our little mouth🏉 and proud, always laughed at you, rip my darling 🌸😭😭."

Hazel Van Wyk added:

"I don't have words😥 Vike you leave a big void in our hearts, you were such a beautiful person... My deepest condolences to Eloise, Greg, Jacky and the Bree family🕊"

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Source: Briefly News