Des van Jaarsveldt


Desmond Charles van Jaarsveld is an ex-Springbok rugby player and captain.

Biography

Born in Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia, Desmond Charles van Jaarsveldt was educated at Plumtree School. He made his debut for Southern Rhodesia as a wing against Northern Transvaal in 1947 at the age of eighteen, scoring all Rhodesia's 3 points. He played 62 times for Rhodesia, initially on the wing but later moving to the flank, and scored 17 tries. He captained the side 19 times between 1958 and 1962.
In 1959 he was selected as Captain for the Rest of South Africa against the Currie Cup champions, Western Province. He captained the Springboks in an 18–10 victory over Scotland at Port Elizabeth in 1960.
He was awarded an MBE in 1962.
He also coached the Rhodesian team from 1967 to 1970 and was president of the Rhodesia RFU in 1979. He also represented Southern Rhodesia as a heavyweight boxer in the 1950 South African Championships.

Test history

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