Former Springbok Piet Visagie, called an "amazing" flyhalf by South Africa Rugby Union president Mark Alexander, has died at the age of 79, the national body announced on Friday.
He played in 25 tests over five seasons from 1967 and scored 130 points in a period when a try was worth three points.
"Piet played during a tumultuous time for South Africa with a number of tours, like the one to the United Kingdom in 1969/70 and to Australia in 1971, affected by anti-apartheid protests.
"But that did not stop him producing a string of amazing performances for the Springboks," said Alexander.
"He was one of the best in an era which delivered legendary players such as HO de Villiers, Mannetjies Roux, Joggie Jansen, Dawie de Villiers, Frik du Preez, Jan Ellis and Piet Greyling."
SA Rugby President, Mr Mark Alexander, paid tribute to former Springbok points machine Piet Visagie, who sadly passed away on Thursday - more here: https://t.co/UQ3y4PesQn ???? pic.twitter.com/YRHBG5HmSm
— Springboks (@Springboks) December 23, 2022
Visagie was a key figure as the Springboks achieved series victories over France, Australia, greatest rivals New Zealand and the British and Irish Lions.
He played all his provincial rugby for Kimberley-based Griqualand West, then one of the top South African teams.
His career ended prematurely when aged 28 after breaking a leg in a club match.