Tributes have poured in for Douglas “Dougie” Dyers who died on Tuesday.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander described him as one of the important players in the history of South African rugby.
“When it comes to major role-players in the history of South African rugby, ‘Oom’ Dougie’s name stands alongside all the greats,” said Mr Alexander. “A courageous player, he was a true servant of the game at all levels, who captained South Africa at a time when a large part of the population was excluded from playing for the Springboks.”
According to his biography, Dyers’s grandfather, Paul Samuel Dyers, moved from Bredasdorp to Parow in the early 1900s and in 1903 established the Parow and Districts Rugby Union.
He became the first president of the union and established Ramblers Rugby Club. Dyers’s father, also named Dougie, and four of his brothers played for Ramblers, which was referred to as the “Dyers family club“.
Dyers made his union debut for Parow at the age of 19 and soon established himself as a player and leader in the team before moving to Walvis Bay in Namibia in 1961, where he also helped to start a rugby club.
A few years later, on his return to South Africa, he was shocked to learn that his Parow community was in a difficult situation due to the introduction of apartheid laws.
Ramblers had to close due to the relocation of the local coloured community. His family settled in Elsies River, where he joined the Blue Birds Rugby Club, which formed part of the new Northerns Rugby Union.
He was the first captain of a black national side to leave South Africa when he led the Proteas on their tour to Europe in 1971.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais said: “Dougie was a true example of someone who wanted to make a difference through sport. He used his talents to inspire others, and he also went on to give back to younger players.
“He opened the door for other players in a time when circumstances were very difficult and he did not always get the recognition he deserved. We honour him for his contribution to rugby in our province and the country.”