The Springbok-flyhalf who in the late sixties and early seventies played a pivotal role for the Boks passed away in Potchefstroom last year December.
Piet Visagie moved to Potchefstroom in 1986, where he worked for Veka, now called Allwear for 35 years. But before he made the move to the land of the ‘Mielieboer’ he played Rugby for Ammosal Rugby club in Beeshoek near Postmasburg, later for the Griquas before making his debut in the Green and Gold in 1967. The Boks went on to beat France 26 – 3 in Durban. In 1969 Visagie scored a world record 41 points in four games against a touring Australian side.

He was an important part of the Griquas team that beat Northern Transvaal in 1970 to win the Currie Cup. His meteoric rise in the Bok team was cut short after a career ending injury when he was 28 years old. He made 130 points for the Boks in a 25 test career. Visagie grew up in Reivilo, a small town about 200km from Kimberley. Although he played rugby as a child his career really only took shape when he started work at Beeshoek mine close to Postmasburg. Here he played for Ammosal rugby club under the tutelage of Jumbo Harris. Jumbo Harris was the mine manager, chairman of the Rugby club, Griquas selector and father to Carol, the woman Piet would later marry.
Piet and Carol had been married for 50 years before he passed at the age of 79. A celebration of Piet’s life is being planned as soon as all his children have arrived in South Africa. Details will be released on the families’ Facebook pages. Piet leaves his wife Carol, daughters, Peta and Caron and son Jacques behind. He also leaves behind five grandkids, Reece, Dylan, Ciara, Lauren, and Liam.

“Our dad was a private person, unassuming, humble and a man of few words but he would enjoy telling you the antics of his life as a young rugby player, his friendships and rugby tours.
Piet was a gentle soul but equally was the epitome of strength, the man that provided for his family and like Gawie Visagie his brother, he always had a quick wit and anecdote to any situation. Everyone that really knew him will have a jovial story to share.
He loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. He is in our hearts and memories and we are so proud to have called him our father.

Carol, Peta, Caron and Jacques would like to thank everyone around the world for sending their condolences and sending in their memories of their time with ‘Pietie’. His legacy lives on with his grandkids, Reece, Dylan, Ciara, Lauren, and Liam” read a letter from the family.