Former Springbok and Bulls stalwart Pedrie Wannenburg dies in car crash in USA

The South African rugby community mourned another tragic loss of a former Springbok on Saturday morning.

Pedrie Wannenburg, who played 20 Tests but unluckily missed out twice on going to the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Texas as a high-speed police chase ended in tragic circumstances.

Willem Strauss, president of Wannenburg's former union the Bulls, confirmed the news.

According to local news station KHOU-11, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a deputy had attempted to pull over a 16-year-old suspect, only for the car to speed away and lead to a chase.

The suspect eventually crashed into the back of Wannenburg's car near an intersection.

Gonzalez further stated that the 41-year-old - along with his son Francois - was flown to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

His wife Evette and daughter Isabelle escaped serious injury.

Wannenburg, who holds the unique distinction of having played 99 consecutive matches for the Bulls between 2002 and 2010, had settled in the USA in 2016, when he became one of the first high-profile South Africans to play on the country's professional circuit when he turned out for the Denver Stampede.

His family then relocated to Austin, where he worked in refrigeration and coached at local club West Houston Lions.

RIP Pedrie Wannenburg ?? pic.twitter.com/5EykJMSOql

Police chase ends in deadly multi-vehicle crash in Harris County | https://t.co/28G311dmIiPrayers with Pedrie’s son & family#RIP #PedrieWannenburg https://t.co/Tpa49KDnNJ

Absolutely stunned! Had a conversation with him just the other day! R.I.P Pedrie Wannenburg ?? pic.twitter.com/jTpVAQEPh7