Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. We will never forget the role you played in our country, in our sport, and for that we are eternally grateful.

— South African Rugby (@bokrugby) December 5, 2013

"All of our lives are poorer today at the extinguishing of the great beacon of light and hope" - SARU Pres Hoskins. pic.twitter.com/TU4X7dH4oN

— South African Rugby (@bokrugby) December 5, 2013

Hoskins: "Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world and his countrymen."

— South African Rugby (@bokrugby) December 5, 2013

Condolences to the Mandela family and the rest South Africa on the loss of a great leader. Rest in peace Nelson... http://t.co/lkMDe5l2oo

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) December 5, 2013

Rest in Peace Nelson Tata Madiba our hero. You will forever live in our hearts. My deepest condolences to the Mandela family.

— JP Pietersen (@jppietersen14) December 5, 2013

In Honour of your everlasting Memory. Rest in Peace Madiba

— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) December 5, 2013

Murió #NelsonMandela, gran líder sudafricano, a los 95 años. http://t.co/RYLNzcQPbj Su legado: http://t.co/OrfeloV9MS

— ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) December 5, 2013

Rugby is humbled that he touched our sport as he touched the world, with his humility and humanity. #Invictus #RIPMandela

— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) December 5, 2013

Vale Nelson Mandela. Our sincere condolences to his family and the people of South Africa. pic.twitter.com/rzdL5Vn7lR

— RaboDirect Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) December 5, 2013

NELSON MANDELA (18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013) pic.twitter.com/onqB6CV9rJ

— SA Rugby mag (@SARugbymag) December 6, 2013

Rest well Tata

— Rob Otto@Sharksworld (@sharksworld) December 5, 2013

The world of rugby mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela, one of he great leaders of our time.

— IRB (@IRBMedia) December 5, 2013

La UAR envía sus condolencias a la familia de Mandela, Sudáfrica y SARU, y se une en el homenaje a este gran hombre pic.twitter.com/wZDMtolB5h

— UnionArgentinaRugby (@unionargentina) December 6, 2013

A day we knew was coming but hoped never would, a man we didn't have for long enough but left a lifelong legacy. Madiba we will never forget

— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) December 5, 2013

Moments that define us - Nelson Mandela Inauguration Speech (Full) - May 10, 1994: http://t.co/vJAFzV764k via @youtube

— Greg Peters (@GPRUGBYCEO) December 5, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela & all in #SouthAfrica who were touched by his kindness #RIP pic.twitter.com/VtAK4rcdZu

— Qantas Wallabies (@QantasWallabies) December 5, 2013

Rip Mandela # "It always seems impossible until it's done."

— jimmy cowan (@cowan_jimmy) December 5, 2013

I met him only once and he said "Go well young man", I can now say the same..... RIP Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/ze5K3xEVwg

— Nick Evans (@nick10evans) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela - He reminded the world of the power of reconciliation and the power of sport. pic.twitter.com/qrjDiIZY7b

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 5, 2013

RIP Tata Madiba. Our nation is poorer without you. You set the bar high and gave a nation more than just hope.

— Brenden Nel (@BrendenNel) December 6, 2013

Had the greatest honour in meeting Nelson Mandela, what a tremendous human being he was.. Stood for something and fought for it. Rest well

— Drew Mitchell (@drew_mitchell) December 5, 2013

Eng winning 2003 RWC was something. SA winning in 1995 was something else entirely. And the reason was Nelson Mandela

— Mick Cleary (@MickClearyTel) December 5, 2013

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances & achieve success if they're dedicated to & passionate about what they do." #RIPNelsonMandela

— Stuart Hogg (@StuartWHOGG_15) December 5, 2013

Such an incredible person words can't do justice! R.I.P http://t.co/gk2Zc0Oui7

— James O'Connor (@JamesOConnor832) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/m1YDO95Rv3

— james haskell (@jameshaskell) December 5, 2013

Rip Nelson Mandela. A true inspiration to the world. Proves one man can change everything

— ryan lamb (@ryan_lamb) December 6, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela. What a bloke..

— Alex Grove (@AlexGrove) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/DzSJWyzD59

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) December 5, 2013

R.I.P Nelson Mandela

— Cory Jane (@CoryJane1080) December 5, 2013

Sad to hear of Nelson Mandela's passing. What a life well lived! RIP #legend

— Liam Messam (@LiamMessam) December 5, 2013

Rest in Peace #Madiba pic.twitter.com/Y3ylw7UDrB

— Super Rugby (@SuperRugby) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela - what an incredible human being and inspiration to others.

— George Gregan (@GeorgeGregan) December 6, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela - what an incredible human being and inspiration to others.

— George Gregan (@GeorgeGregan) December 6, 2013

Rest in peace Nelson Mandela, a true inspiration!

— Tom Croft (@tomcroft6) December 5, 2013

Nelson Mandela what an amazing life and a incredible story you leave behind you. You changed a nation RIP a world legend.

— Ben Youngs (@benyoungs09) December 5, 2013

RIP Tata Madiba,what a legend!!You made this world a better place!!God Bless to the family and friends!!

— Morne Steyn (@mornesteyn) December 5, 2013

What an incredible gentleman! #RIPMandela

— George North (@George_North) December 5, 2013

Sad day not just for South Africans but for the world.. A real hero and role model for everyone #RIPMandela

— Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) December 5, 2013

NELSON MANDELA 1918-2013 A true leader & inspiration to all. Thank you for touching & changing many lives, your legend will live on forever

— Saia & Ant Fainga'a (@FaingaaTwins) December 5, 2013

Had the honour of meeting the great man before the South Africa 2004 Match. A moment I will never forget, RIP Nelson Mandela #icon

— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) December 5, 2013

R.I.P Mandela, what an inspiration to the world, a nation and to myself. A true hero #legend pic.twitter.com/ylJcPzu2wp

— BJ Botha (@BJBotha) December 5, 2013

In Honour of your everlasting Memory. Rest in Peace Madiba

— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) December 5, 2013

Had the honour of meeting Nelson Mandela in SA. He united South Africa. One of the worlds great leaders. #RIPNelsonMandela

— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) December 5, 2013

.@lionsofficial joins @bokrugby & the rugby world in mourning the loss of Nelson Mandela. RIP Madiba pic.twitter.com/h18OjJW0Ma

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) December 5, 2013

Queensland Rugby's thoughts are with our friends in South Africa as the world mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/oDaLFynpy2

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) December 5, 2013

#RIP Nelson Mandela, one man who truly changed the world. He's an inspiration to all of us

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) December 5, 2013

Daily Rugby Chat is out! http://t.co/j7AK7CKYz0 Stories via @Rugby_Magazine @xblades_bootsuk

— Brett Sheehan (@brett_sheehan) December 5, 2013

The world has lost one of the greatest men to ever live. RIP Mr Mandela and thank you for all you did. #RIPMandela #truehero #sadday

— Karl Schubert (@KSchu12) December 5, 2013

Sad news this evening - thoughts of the Scottish rugby family with South Africa tonight.

— Scotland Rugby Team (@Scotlandteam) December 5, 2013

Nelson Mandela reminded us of the power of sport, the power of rugby to unite. May he rest in peace. @bokrugby pic.twitter.com/xAZoWkIyXu

— Irish Rugby (@irfurugby) December 5, 2013

Une triste journée s'achève avec la mort de Nelson Mandela. La FFR adresse à sa famille et au rugby sud-africain ses sincères condoléances.

— FFR officiel (@FFR_officiel) December 5, 2013

RIP Nelson Mandela, a truly great man.

— Ryan (@RyanWalkinshaw) December 5, 2013

Very few people live til they're 95. A tiny minority truly influence the world. Nelson Mandela made every day count. #RIPMadiba #legacy

— Rory Lawson (@rorylawson9) December 5, 2013

#RIPNelsonMandela

— Ben Cohen (@RugbyBenCohen) December 5, 2013

Sad news about the passing of Nelson Mandela - to be able meet him was the greatest privilege rugby offered me

— Will Carling (@willcarling) December 5, 2013

RIP Mandela - A Champion of equality, an inspirational human being and he also loved his footy. God Speed.

— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) December 6, 2013

RIp Nelson Mandela. Our thoughts and prays are with his family. #tatamadiba #Respect #honor

— Werner Kruger (@kruger_werner) December 6, 2013