Mauritz Christiaan Willem Egmond “Mosey” van Buuren was born on 12 August 1865 in Burgersdorp and educated at Diocesan College (Bishops). A player of natural athleticism and instinctive rugby intelligence, he was remembered as one of the most brilliant and resourceful threequarters of his generation. Strongly built and blessed with both pace and strength, he combined speed, power, and nimble footwork with a fierce determination that made him an ideal attacking wing in the early days of South African rugby.

Van Buuren represented Western Province at provincial level and made his mark in South Africa’s formative years of the game. In 1891 he earned his place in history when he turned out for South Africa in their first ever Test match - against Great Britain at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth. Though his international career was limited to that single appearance, his name endures among the pioneers who laid the foundation of Springbok rugby.

He later lived in Bedfordview, where he remained active in the game’s community and was fondly remembered as a gentleman of the old school. Mosey van Buuren passed away on 3 October 1951 at the age of 86.