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CAPE TOWN. — The South African Rugby Union has extended its condolences to the family of legendary Springbok centre John Gainsford, who passed away yesterday morning following a long battle with cancer. He was 77. Gainsford established himself as one of the greatest centres of his generation due to his powerful bursts and rock-solid defence.

He earned 33 Test caps and scored eight tries during his Springbok career between 1960 and 1967, playing in 71 Springbok matches in total (including tour matches).

He remained the most capped Springbok centre until as recently as 2001 when his record was finally overtaken by Japie Mulder.

Gainsford was a world-renowned player, who emerged from the Villagers Rugby Club in Cape Town. He made his Springbok debut on April 30, 1960 against Scotland at the young age of 21 and played his last Test at the age of 28. During his illustrious career he surpassed the record of 28 Test matches by Johan Claassen to become the most capped Springbok.

Gainsford’s was a meteoric talent.

He was selected for Villagers’ first team at the tender age of 17 and two years later was selected to represent Western Province’s senior team. — AFP.