As a junior sportsman growing up in the areas of Simonstown and Diep River, Mr Manuel attained provincial colours in rugby, athletics and cricket.

After deciding to focus on his rugby career, Mr Manuel represented SARU in 1967 and four years later, in 1971, he was a member of the WP team that won the SA Cup final (which replaced the Rhodes Cup) against Eastern Province, contributing a penalty goal to WP’s points tally.

Armien Manuel.

“Boeta Armien was known not only as a wonderful rugby player who deserved to play for South Africa, but as a very dedicated and skilful all-round sportsman who also excelled on the athletics track and on the cricket field,” said Mr Alexander.

“He was a big man who held junior records in the javelin throw and gained junior provincial colours in cricket, but we will remember him for his exploits on the rugby field.

“Armien played on the wing and he was not easy to bring down because of his imposing physique.

“He was often mentioned in the same breath as former greats such as Cassiem Jabaar, Salie Fredericks and Makhaya Jack, which underlines the standing Armien held at a time when all players were not afforded the same opportunities due to our country’s apartheid laws.

“Losing members of the rugby family is never easy and we mourn their loss with those closest to them, as well as their communities where these men often played a leading role, as was the case with Armien.

“Our condolences also go out to his family, friends and former team-mates. May you find solace in this difficult time and look back on Armien’s life with pride and happiness, and we pray that Almighty Allah grant him Jannat Firdaus.”