South African Rugby
Former Springbok Kruger dies
Scrum.com
January 28, 2010
South Africa flanker Ruben Kruger looks for support, South Africa v New Zealand, Rugby World Cup final, Ellis Park, June 24, 1995
Ruben Kruger won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa in 1995 © PA Photos
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Former South Africa flanker Ruben Kruger has died aged 39 after losing a long battle with cancer.

A World Cup-winner with the Springboks in 1995, Kruger started the final at Ellis Park alongside skipper Francois Pienaar and Mark Andrews and was named as South Africa's Player of the Year following the tournament.

At club level he made his name first with Free State and then Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls), winning his first South African cap in 1993 and retiring due to a knee injury 36 caps later following the 1999 World Cup. He had been battling cancer since 2000, when he blacked out during a game and was diagnosed with a tumour.

"Ruben Kruger was the epitome of the Springbok flanker, tough, indomitable and with an outstanding work ethic," Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union, said. "When Ruben was on the field you always knew that the Springboks would not be beaten without a tremendous battle.

"Our prayers have been with him through his battles against illness and it is very sad to hear of his early passing. Our thoughts are with his young family and we extend to them our sincerest condolences."

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