Heyneke Meyer has paid tribute to Pedrie Wannenburg, who died in a car crash, describing the former Springbok as a “soft-hearted but an out-and-out team guy”.
Wannenburg (41) was killed in a multi-vehicle collision in the USA after a suspect fleeing police smashed into his car, with condolences and tributes pouring in for the 20-cap Bok and Vodacom Bulls legend following news of his death on Saturday.
He became the first player to play 100 games for the Bulls and also 99 consecutive games for the team, winning three Super Rugby titles in 2007, 2009 and 2010, as well as five Currie Cups, and became the Pretoria outfit’s most capped player with 114 Super Rugby appearances.
Ex-Bok and Bulls boss Meyer, who now works as director of rugby for the Houston Sabercats in the American Major League, told Sport24: “It’s just so sad. He is the reason that I’m here in America.
“As a rugby player, I was really impressed by him since day one. I’ve said it a few times, but he probably should have played more Test matches.
“He was big and strong and had unbelievable feet, and to show what an athlete he was, he played No 8 for me but could also play blindside or openside, and then in one of the Currie Cup final, we even had to use him at lock.
“He always played, even among those great guys he was surrounded by. I always found space for him. He was really talented.
“People always say this when someone passes away, but I really mean this: he was an unbelievable human being,” the SA coach added.
“He always had a smile, was always joking and laughing and always had time for people. I had a very soft spot for him. He was soft-hearted but an out-and-out team guy. Everybody loved Pedrie.”
