One of three rugby-playing brothers, Jan Stegmann came to Stellenbosch as a forward but Mr Markotter put him on the wing; and it was on the wing that he shone and performed wonders with his long strides and strength in running.
He showed this particularly during the 1912/13 tour to the United Kingdom, and in the test against Ireland he scored three brilliant tries.
After the tour he remained in England and eventually went to Edinburgh University in Scotland to study dentistry. He represented Scotland at athletics, explaining that he couldn't devote the time needed to train for rugby, and had decided to concentrate on athletics. He was such a natural sportsman that, besides being a Springbok, he also got his colours for Scotland as an athlete.
I met him when he was a very old man, nearly 100 years old. It was in Bloemfontein and he was frail and bed-ridden, but his mind was still sharp.
A great Springbok, remembered with awe by all who saw him play.