Western Province Rugby would like to extend its sympathies to the Kirkpatrick family and the Maties Rugby Football Club on the passing of Ian Kirkpatrick at the weekend.

The influential former Springbok player and coach was almost synonymous with Maties rugby over the last twenty years, and he was still – at the age of 82 – actively involved with coaching at Stellenbosch University this season.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Norma, their children and grandchildren, and also the entire Maties Rugby community during this sad time.

* A public memorial service for ‘Oom Kirkie’ will be held on Friday, November 23 at 15h00 at Coetzenburg.