The rugby community in the Western Cape has lost a giant of the game with the sad passing of Dawie Snyman senior.

The legendary player and coach will go down as one of the true legends of Western Province, although he made his Springbok debut before he ever wore the blue and white hoops.

A talented utility back, Snyman was comfortable at both flyhalf and fullback. His impact on the game was felt far beyond his playing days as he coached Western Province to five consecutive Currie Cup titles in the 1980s.

That period will always be remembered as a golden age of the team and the influence Snyman had on generations of players was significant.

The DHL Western Province team will wear black armbands in their Carling Currie Cup match against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday in memory of Snyman.