The Springboks will have the image of late World Cup-winner Chester Williams embedded on their jerseys in the tournament opener against the All Blacks.

Williams was a shining star of the Springboks’ 1995 campaign but passed away suddenly from a heart attack in Cape Town two weeks ago. He was 49.

In memory of the late wing, his image will be embedded into the playing number on the team’s jerseys during their World Cup opener against New Zealand in Yokohama on Saturday, along with those of the current squad and South African rugby fans who sent in selfies.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus played with Williams in Springbok and provincial teams and knew him well.

‘Chester didn’t like being the centre of attention,’ Erasmus said. ‘He never bragged about his role or expected anything for it but he would have enjoyed being part of a Springbok vs All Blacks Test match once more, I think.’

Williams was named the SA Rugby Player of the Year in 1994. Apart from lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 1995, Williams was also a member of the Springbok squad that won the then Tri-Nations in 1998, and he won the Currie Cup with the Golden Lions in 1999.

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