Former Springbok scrumhalf Paul Bayvel dies

Former Springbok scrumhalf Paul Bayvel has died at the age of 71.

Bayvel was earlier this year diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and Sport24 reported over the weekend that it had spread to his spine.

It was confirmed that Bayvel had died on Tuesday night.

Bayvel played 10 Tests for the Springboks between 1974 and 1976.

The highlight of his career was playing in all four Tests against the touring All Blacks of 1976, a series the Boks won 3-1.

The fleet-footed scrumhalf played his provincial rugby for Transvaal (now called the Lions) and he will go down as one of the finest scrumhalves produced by the province. Die-hard Lions fans will also fondly recall Bayvel's halfback partnership with legendary former flyhalf Gerald Bosch.

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SA Rugby president Mark Alexander extended his condolences to Bayvel's family and friends.

"It is with great sadness that we heard of Paul's passing. He was a formidable player and a person and will be remembered by all those who knew him," Alexander commented on the Springboks' official website.

"It is always sad to lose a family member and we want to wish the Bayvels, as well as his other family members and friends our sincere condolences in this time. Paul was a rugby man and part of our extended rugby family as well, so we are all poorer for his passing."

Former Springboks Kobus Wiese and Schalk Burger also shared their condolences on social media after hearing of Bayvel's passing.

Paul Bayvel has sadly passed away, a great loss, way to soon. May the Good Lord hold and comfort his family during this time?? Mooi loop Oom Paul??

— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) April 15, 2020

RIP Paul Bayvel - wonderful cheerie person on and off the field - God bless his family left behind

— Schalk Burger (@skalabrak) April 15, 2020

?? Former Springbok scrumhalf Paul Bayvel passed away on Tuesday night - condolences to his family and friends.

?? https://t.co/WFjpeUlm5G pic.twitter.com/YBqNYszi8I

— Springboks (@Springboks) April 15, 2020