Ruben Kruger was laid to rest in an emotional farewell in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The funeral took place at the Christian Reformed Church on the corner of Lynnwood and Hans Strijdom Avenues, near Silver Lakes in Pretoria East on Wednesday.

The service was led by Pastor At Boshoff from Bloemfontein

Springboks, Provincial players (both former and current) and administrators travelled from around South Africa to lay to rest one of the true gentleman of the game.

Almost all members of the World Champion 1995 Springboks were present (Francois Pienaar did not attend as he was away in Europe).

It was reported to be an emotional affair with many reporting on the integrity, humility and strong core values exhibited by Kruger.

As reported on Sport 24, another Springbok strongman Andre Venter (who was himself transported with the aid of a wheelchair) had this to say about Kruger “Ruben was a remarkable person. My wife and I visited him and Lizel in Pretoria in December. He prayed for me in spite of all his pain. That sums up his life. It does not matter what his situation was – he always thought of a fellow human being before himself. He was not just a legend on the field, but a legend of life. Ruben, when I get to heaven one day, I want to be in the same team as you again.”

In her tribute to Kruger, his wife Lizel Kruger said “Earthly possessions were not important to you. We were proud of you. Not because you were a Springbok rugby player but because you were a Springbok dad.”

The ‘silent assassin‘ is with us no more, but his legend will remain forever. As one of my all-time greats, Kruger will be sorely missed. Like many others I am inspired  by this great man, who showed us all how to never give up, play with integrity, and treasure what is most valuable.