Johannes Wilhelmus “John” Wessels was born on 14 May 1935 in the small southern Free State town of Vanstadensrus and educated at Grey College in Bloemfontein, a school renowned for producing generations of outstanding rugby players. A tough and dependable forward, Wessels developed a reputation for his strong scrummaging and work ethic, qualities that soon earned him selection for the Free State provincial side.

Representing the Cheetahs during the 1950s and early 1960s, he became a cornerstone of their pack - a player admired for his physicality and commitment rather than flamboyance. His consistent performances at provincial level saw him rewarded with selection for the national squad, and though he never took the field in a Test match, Wessels proudly wore the green and gold as part of the Springbok touring group, an achievement that spoke to his quality and perseverance.

John Wessels was remembered by teammates and opponents alike as a humble and hard-working man - the type of forward who thrived in the tough provincial competitions that shaped South African rugby’s character. He passed away on 22 January 2006 at the age of 70, leaving behind the legacy of a player who served his province and country with distinction during rugby’s golden amateur era.