James Small Biography

James Small was a South African rugby player who played on the wing for the Springboks. He made his debut for the Springboks against New Zealand in Johannesburg in 1992 and played in 47 Tests until 1997.

He scored 20 Test tries, with the last of those in his final match in the Green and Gold, against Scotland – a try which, at that stage, broke Danie Gerber’s Test record.

James Small Career

Small was particularly enthusiastic about learning the lyrics, after the fall of apartheid, when the Springboks were being taught the lyrics to the new South African national anthem, “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”. He claimed that the reason for his interest was because that in his early days of playing rugby, he too was discriminated against, by Afrikaner players for being of British descent rather than Dutch like they were. When the Springboks visited Robben Island on a tour, Small was very moved by what he saw and visibly wept, recalling later that “Thinking about Mandela’s cell and how he spent twenty-seven years in prison and came out with love and friendship. All that washed over me, that huge realization, and the tears just rolled down my face.”

James Small Photo

He faced Jonah Lomu as his opposite man in the final of the 1995 World Cup. Although Lomu had scored four tries in New Zealand’s semifinal against England, Small and his teammates managed to contain Lomu, preventing him from scoring. The Springboks won the match and the Cup.

His career was marred by his verbal abuse of others on the rugby field, gaining notoriety as being the “bad boy” of the Springbok team. He was the first Springbok team member to ever be sent off, as a result of dissent towards referee Ed Morrison. Small was also accused by his teammate Chester Williams to have uttered racist abuse towards him in his authorized biography, though as an opponent in provincial rugby, not as a Springbok teammate.

James Small Age | Birthday

James Small was born 10 February 1969 in Cape Town, South Africa. James Small passed away after suffering from a heart attack on 10 July 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

James Small Family

James Small Wife

Small was once engaged to an actress and model, Christina Storm, with whom he had been in a relationship with for 10 years. Storm who owns a production company called Hailmary, is known for appearing on more than 200 television commercials. However the two were separated at the time of his death.

James Small Children

James and his ex-wife Christina share a daughter, Ruby Storm.

James Small Body Measurements

• Height: 1.85m
• Weight: 196 Pounds
• Shoe Size:  Not Available
• Body Shape: Not Available
• Hair Colour: Not Available

James Small Death

James Small passed away after suffering from a heart attack on 10 July 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to the South African Rugby Union, “Small was rushed to hospital in Johannesburg on Tuesday night after suffering from a suspected heart attack.”

President of SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, passed on his condolences to Small’s family and friends in a statement posted on the SA Rugby website. The statement stated;

“James, as a member of the triumphant Rugby World Cup squad from 1995, will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of the South African public and we were devastated to hear of his passing,” said Mr Alexander.

“He always played with the type of passion and courage that encapsulate what Springbok rugby stands for, and he lived his life in the same way.

“At 50 years old, James Small died too young. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this very sad time.”

The government of South African also made a statement on Twitter, “We send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Former Springbok winger #JamesSmall. He will be remembered for his role in the 1995 World Cup final win over New Zealand.”

He is the third member of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team to die. Ruben Kruger passed away in 2010 following a long battle with brain cancer while Joost van der Westhuizen died after suffering from motor neurone disease in 2017.

James Small Cause of Death

James Small’s cause of death was a heart attack.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Small

Who is James Small?

James Small was one of South African best-known and loved rugby player.

How old is James Small?

James Small was born 10 February 1969 in Cape Town, South Africa. James Small passed away after suffering from a heart attack on 10 July 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. And died at the age of 50 years

How tall was James Small?

James Smallstands at a height of 1.85m

Is James Small married?

Small was once engaged to an actress and model, Christina Storm,

How much is James Small worth?

Not Available

Is James Small dead or alive?

James Small is still alive and in good health.