Pioneering former Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Ronnie Masson sadly passed away on Monday.

Masson was a true rugby man, who led the WPRFU through the unification process and beyond, making a considerable impact on rugby in the Western Cape and across the country, having also served as a SARU senior vice-president.

Masson played scrumhalf for Northerns in Bellville from 1956 and played for Western Province against the All Blacks in 1960.

In 1968 he became the president of Bellville RFC and was the club’s delegate to the union till he became the junior vice-president in 1981, when he resigned from his club position.

In 1992 he was unanimously elected president of the Western Province (Newlands), a position he held for a month as the new union was then created. He served as WPRFU president until 2000.

He played a vital role in the unification of rugby in Western Province and was elected the first president of the newly unified WPRFU in 1992, a position which kept him so busy that he was forced to retire early from his work with Sanlam.

Masson’s business acumen proved invaluable when rugby turned professional in the mid-nineties and his passion for rugby and selflessness made him a much-respected administrator.

WPRFU president Zelt Marais passed his condolences to Masson’s family and friends.

“We have lost a true giant of our game, Ronnie Masson played a crucial role in bringing the various rugby communities of the Western Cape together at an important point in our history.

“His love for the game and passion for Western Province was a true example to us all. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time,” he said.