John played for False Bay initially, but it wasn't until he joined Villagers that he developed the devastating break which became a hallmark of his play.

It was from his left foot that he used to break inwards and then straighten out. Big and strong; a man who would give his life to play for the Springboks. When he played you could see determination written all over his face.

He scored some unforgettable tries, particularly the two against the All Blacks at Christchurch in 1965. John was, and still is, an outspoken man. A man's man: one who never apologised for his belief that rugby was played to be won.