SA Rugby pays tribute to HO de Villiers: 'He revolutionised fullback play'

De Villiers underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour last year.

"HO de Villiers revolutionised fullback play with his counter attacks and he was widely regarded as one of the best to represent South Africa," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said in a statement.

Born in 1945 as Henry Oswald de Villiers, "HO" played 14 Tests and 15 tour matches for South Africa between 1967 to 1970.

"Unfortunately, injuries robbed him of the opportunity to play in many more Tests for the Springboks, but if he had the opportunity, he would surely have added many more internationals to his record," Alexander added.

"HO will always go down as one of the legends of Springbok rugby and even today, his name is well known amongst the rugby fraternity. Sportsmanship and honour were character traits closely associated with him, and that counts more than results in the end.

"To lose any member of the rugby family is a tragedy, but even more so when he was a real gentleman and someone who loved the game, gave back and always maintained a high moral standard.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sandra, their children, family, friends and other loved ones during this time of grief. We hope you will find solace in the memories of a wonderful man who represented South Africa at the highest stage and contributed so much to the game he loved dearly."

???? Mr Mark Alexander paid tribute to former Springbok fullback HO de Villiers, who passed away on Sunday: “HO will always go down as one of the legends of Springbok rugby.” More here: https://t.co/lbN4ZeR71x pic.twitter.com/dMExFzvJJY

De Villiers made his Springbok debut against France in Durban in 1967 and scored four conversions and one penalty as the Boks won 26-3.

Injuries curtailed his Test career,