Tokkie Scholtz
Full names: Hugo H.
Date of birth: 29 Aug 1891
Place of birth: Somerset West
School: Paul Roos Gymnasium
Springbok no: 177
Springbok debut province: Western Province
Physical: 1.79m, 83.9kg
Date of death: 8 Apr 1959 (Age 67)
Test summary: Tests: 2 Tries: 0
First Test: 13 Aug 1921 Age 29 - Flank against New Zealand at Carisbrook, Dunedin
Last Test: 27 Aug 1921 Age 29 - Flank against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland
Tours Australia & New Zealand 1921
Test history:
DateAgePositionOpponentVenueResultScoreProvince
13 Aug 1921 29Flank New Zealand Carisbrook, Dunedin Lose: 5-13  WP
27 Aug 1921 29Flank New Zealand Eden Park, Auckland Win: 9-5  WP

Hugo Hendrik “Tokkie” Scholtz was born in 1891 and became one of the respected figures of early South African rugby - both as a player and, later, as a dedicated rugby administrator and wine farmer in Stellenbosch. A product of Stellenbosch University, he was one of several Maties to feature in the great Springbok team that toured New Zealand and Australia in 1921.

Scholtz’s rugby ability had been recognised years earlier. In 1912 he was considered unlucky to miss selection for South Africa’s celebrated tour to Britain and France, after a dropped pass during trials cost him a place in the final squad. The story later became part of rugby folklore - “If you want to make the team,” old Oubaas Markötter would say, “don’t be there to take a pass!” Doc Craven, who admired Scholtz greatly, would later remark that “Tokkie Scholtz should have been in the 1912 team, but he knocked on.”

By the time he finally wore the green and gold in 1921, Scholtz was 29 years old and one of the more experienced men in Paul Roos’s old rugby tradition. Playing as a forward, he was known for his work rate and commitment in tight play - a strong scrummager with the intelligence and discipline typical of the Maties forwards of the time. Scholtz played in two Test matches on that tour, helping to establish South Africa’s reputation in their first-ever meetings with New Zealand and Australia. His selection was all the more satisfying given that he had been first reserve for the Springboks as far back as 1912, proof of his perseverance and consistency over many seasons.

After his playing days, Scholtz remained deeply involved in South African rugby and in the broader community of Stellenbosch. He served for many years on the committee of the Western Province Rugby Union and was later made a life member in recognition of his service. He was also president of the Van der Stel Rugby Club, one of Stellenbosch’s proudest rugby institutions.

Away from sport, Tokkie Scholtz built a successful career in the wine industry. In 1944 he was elected as director of the KWV for the Stellenbosch division, a position he held continuously thereafter. He was a prominent wine farmer and a respected figure in agricultural and cooperative circles, serving as a director of the South African Wine Farmers Association, the Helderberg Cooperative Wine Cellar, the Stellenbosch District Bank, and the Western Province Tobacco Corporation.

Tokkie Scholtz passed away on 8 April 1959 at the age of 67, in the Stellenbosch Hospital. He was survived by his wife and three children. Remembered as both a fine forward and a gentleman administrator, he was one of the few to bridge the eras of pre-war and post-war rugby - a true representative of the Maties’ enduring influence on South African rugby and community life.