Western Province Rugby would like to extend its condolences to the family of legendary former WP and Springbok centre John Gainsford, who passed away on Wednesday, November 18 (2015).

Gainsford, recognised by many as one of the greats of his generation, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 77.

John Leslie Gainsford was born in Germiston on August 4, 1938. He played 46 matches for Western Province between 1958 and 1967, as well as 71 matches for South Africa – made up of 38 tour matches and 33 Test matches (a record which stood for some time).

A former President of Villager FC, Gainsford also served on the Western Province Rugby Football Union’s (WPRFU) Executive Committee, as well as coaching Western Province soon after his playing days.

WP Rugby would like to extend its sympathies to the entire Gainsford family, particularly his wife Shona, their four children, Murray, Lindsay, Kirk and Shona Leigh, as well as their 11 grandchildren.

* Meanwhile, SARU President, Mr Oregan Hoskins, gave his condolences on behalf of the South African Rugby Union: “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Gainsford family for their loss.

“John was a superstar of his generation and a he will go down in history as one of the greatest Springboks to have played the sport.

“He believed that rugby was played to be won, and he demonstrated this on the field with his line-breaks, raw pace and power. I met him on many occasions. He was a great man.”