Mr Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, paid tribute to former Springbok hooker Ewoud Malan, who passed away on Monday evening after battling cancer at the age of 70.

Malan, who was born on 4 July 1953 in Groblersdal, where he attended HS Ben Viljoen, played two Tests for the Boks in 1980 against the touring British & Irish Lions. He played club rugby for the University of Pretoria and Harlequins, and represented the Bulls, then still called Northern Transvaal, at provincial level.

He made his debut for the Springboks from the bench against the Lions at the erstwhile Boet Erasmus Stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and played his second and last Test at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, starting at hooker in the final match of the 1980 tour.

“Ewoud Malan was an uncompromising and very tough player who played in strong Bulls and Tukkies teams in the 1970s and 80s,” said Mr Alexander.

“He was a people’s person and a multi-talented man. He was qualified as a clinical psychologist but also worked in the insurance industry.

“Our condolences go out to his family, loved ones and friends in this difficult time of grief, may you find solace in the memories of a man who only wanted the best for those around him.”