Martin Pelser

Hendrik Jacobus Martin Pelser (23 March 1934 – 15 August 2018), known as Martin Pelser, was a South African rugby union international who represented the Springboks in 11 Test matches.[1]

Martin Pelser
Full nameHendrik Jacobus Martin Pelser
Date of birth(1934-03-23)23 March 1934
Place of birthJohannesburg, South Africa
Date of death15 August 2018(2018-08-15) (aged 84)
Place of deathJohannesburg, South Africa
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight94 kg (207 lb)
SchoolRossmore
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
Transvaal ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1958–61 South Africa 11 (6)

Rugby career

Born in Johannesburg, Pelser attended Rossmore Junior High School and played his provincial rugby for Transvaal.[2]

Pelser debuted for the Springboks against France at Cape Town in 1958 and played his entire Test career as a flanker. In 1960 he scored the only try in South Africa's 8–3 win over the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth. His Test career ended when he switched codes and he earned selection for the South Africa national rugby league team, as a second-rower.[3]

All Black Colin Meads described him as "one of the hardest, most skilful players in any position" that he had played against. His iconic glass eye appearance was the result of a childhood car accident.[4]

See also

References
  1. Schoeman, Chris (2015). South Africa's Rugby Legends: The Amateur Years. Penguin Random House South Africa. ISBN 9781770227897.
  2. "Legendary Springbok flank passes away". News 24. 18 August 2018.
  3. "Unimpressive Win By S. Africans". The Canberra Times. 8 July 1963. p. 20. Retrieved 4 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. "Strongman Pelser Dies". rugby365.com. 16 August 2018.
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