RIP: South African rugby legend passes away

In a tribute shared on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Gregory “Green” Vigo, who made his debut for the Proteas of the South African Rugby Football Federation (SARFF) in 1970, passed away at the age of 75 this past weekend.

Vigo started his career in rugby union playing for the Saldanha Tigers on the West Coast, but due to the apartheid legislation of the time and a lack of opportunities in South Africa, he decided to switch to rugby league and in 1973.

However, before that, he was selected to tour England and the Netherlands with the Proteas, and in 1972, Vigo – who played his representative rugby for the Swartland Union – faced the touring England side in Cape Town, next to Errol Tobias, who would go on to play for the Springboks.

After his switch to rugby league as a result of limited opportunities with rugby union at that time, Vigo joined the well-known English club Wigan, whose first team he represented in 168 games, scoring 86 tries. Later, he also played for the Swinton and Oldham clubs.

While still at Wigan, he was chosen for a representative side called the Other Nationalities rugby league team, and was it not for injuries, he would have been in line to tour Australia with the Great Britain team.

Tributes to a man who holds a special place in the history of South African rugby

Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the former centre.

“Green was a legend of the game in a very difficult time in our rugby history, with deep divisions, and no-one will ever know what would have happened in his career had he been afforded more opportunities,” said Mr Alexander.

“Widely described as a legend of not only Federation rugby, but also rugby league in England, it’s fair to say Green was one of the best of his generation. 

“A fisherman at heart, he loved rugby and made the most of his opportunities and if it wasn’t for racial laws at the time, he could have played for the Springboks.

“He loved rugby and even though he lived in the UK, Green never lost touch with his community back home, going as far as sponsoring teams back in South Africa.

“His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and other loved ones in this very difficult time of grieving – may you find solace in the memories of a man who represented South Africa on and off the pitch.”

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