GLRU mourns Louis Luyt

Feb 1 • General News, South Africa • 4424 Views • Comments Off on GLRU mourns Louis Luyt

the late Louis Luyt with World Cup winning Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.

It is with great sadness that the Golden Lions Rugby Union has learnt of the passing of one of South Africa’s most iconic rugby figures – Louis Luyt.

Luyt was born in 1932 in the Karoo and went on to represent, and captain, the Orange Free State from the 1950s.

In 1989 Luyt took over the presidency of the Transvaal Rugby Union, building it into a world class entity. During this time, he was elected as the President of the South African Rugby Football Union.

While at SARFU, Luyt looked to transform the game of rugby into a professional sport.

He was able to play a critical role in the re-entry of the Springboks to international competition, following more than a decade of isolation.

GLRU President Kevin de Klerk is deeply saddened by the news of Luyt’s passing and conveyed his condolences to Luyt’s family.

“I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Doc Luyt’s dear wife and children on behalf of myself and the Golden Lions Rugby Union,” he said.

“This Union was always regarded as his home in rugby and we are saddened by the news of his passing.”

De Klerk refers to Luyt as a close and personal friend, who he had the utmost respect for.

“He was always a great mentor, for most of us involved in the game, and we always strove to attain the very high standards that he set. I will sorely miss him.”