Condolences and tributes have poured in for Pedrie Wannenburg after the ex-Springbok and Vodacom Bulls star reportedly died in a car crash in the USA.
Wannenburg, who was coaching for Austin Elite Rugby in the American Major League Rugby, was killed in a multi-vehicle collision in Texas following a high-speed police chase. A suspect had crashed into Wannenburg’s car. He was 41.
The 20-cap Bok played for Austin in 2018, as well as the Denver Stampede in the now defunct PRO Rugby League and Castres for two seasons, after two years with Irish club Ulster.
Wannenburg made his professional debut for the Bulls in 2001, and became the first player to play 100 games for them and also 99 consecutive games for the team. He won three Super Rugby titles with the Pretoria outfit in 2007, 2009 and 2010, as well as five Currie Cups, and became their most capped player with 114 Super Rugby appearances.
But, in 2010, Wannenburg, in a magazine interview, admitted to abusing drugs and alcohol after failing to cement a regular spot in the national team.
We are devastated at the passing of Vodacom Bulls legend Pedrie Wannenburg.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Wannenburg family ? pic.twitter.com/ePecg3nSYU
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 23, 2022
RIP Pedrie Wannenburg ? pic.twitter.com/lw3T4jgcyp
— Saffas Abroad Rugby (@SaffasRugby) April 23, 2022
Absolutely stunned! Had a conversation with him just the other day! R.I.P Pedrie Wannenburg ? pic.twitter.com/jTpVAQEPh7
— Jurie van vuuren™ (@Jurievanvuuren) April 23, 2022
So very sad to hear about the passing of Pedrie Wannenburg. R.I.P to one of the characters of the rugby world
— Xola Ntshinga (@Xola_Ntshinga) April 23, 2022
We say it everyday people,life is so short,make the most of every moment with your loved ones and appreciate your good friends,thinking of Pedrie’s family in this very difficult time ??
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) April 23, 2022
#PedrieWannenburg RIP? @BlueBullsRugby @Springboks pic.twitter.com/W2HO5bqowv
— Juandre Kruger (@JuandreKruger5) April 23, 2022
Ulster Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former flanker, Pedrie Wannenburg following a car crash in Texas.
The Springbok played a major role in Ulster’s Heineken Cup and Pro12 campaigns, making 54 appearances for the Ulster men between 2010 and 2012. pic.twitter.com/dZyw0pC1dP
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) April 23, 2022
Sincere condolences to all family and friends and the rugby community. Such a shock and so sad #RIP Pedrie ? pic.twitter.com/AzkuFkzFPk
— Annelee Murray (@AnneleeM) April 23, 2022
