- Wallabies legend passes away after health battle
- Part of one of the largest social justice movements in sport.
- Leave a legacy of bravery beyond the field
Former Australian rugby star and outspoken equality advocate James Roxburgh has died aged 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the anti-apartheid Wallabies who helped change the sport globally.
Roxburgh passed away on August 6 after succumbing to a brain hemorrhage while performing his workout routine at the gym after battling dementia in his later years.
He left a lasting legacy not only on the rugby field, but also in the fight against apartheid policies, thanks to a stance that was recognised by Nelson Mandela himself.
Born in Wudinna, South Australia, Roxburgh showed a natural affinity for sports from an early age.
At the prestigious King’s School in Sydney, he was an accomplished athlete, participating in athletics, rowing and rugby.
This foundation paved the way for his studies at the University of Sydney, where he won a prize for his work in 1965.
James Roxburgh made the decision to be one of seven Wallabies who refused to play against South Africa during the apartheid era, thus cutting short his career.
Roxburgh was awarded the Medal of Freedom by the liberated South African President Nelson Mandela.
His promising rugby career took off with his first senior representative match for New South Wales against Victoria at Olympic Park in 1967.
Roxburgh’s prowess on the field quickly attracted attention. In 1968, he represented Sydney and played a key role in the close match against New Zealand.
His outstanding performances for the Junior Wallabies secured him a Test debut against the touring All Blacks, and he later starred in matches against France, Scotland and Wales.
A versatile player, he was known for his strength and agility that was reminiscent of a third row despite being a prop.
However, James Roxburgh’s rugby career is perhaps most celebrated for his moral courage and commitment to social justice.
As one of the anti-apartheid Wallabies, he strongly opposed the racial segregation policies implemented by South African rugby teams.
During the apartheid era, only white players represented South Africa, including Dow Walton, Dawie de Villiers (captain), Ho de Villiers, Tom Bedford and Frik du Preez.
This group of seven Australian players made the pivotal decision to boycott matches against the all-white Springbok team during the 1971 tour, a stance that contributed significantly to global pressure on South Africa to abandon apartheid.
In 1969, while on a tour of South Africa, Roxburgh and his teammates became increasingly aware of the systemic racial discrimination prevalent in the country.
The Wallabies, including Roxburgh, took a strong stance against apartheid by refusing to play in matches that supported the regime’s policies.
This courageous decision played an important role in the wider struggle against apartheid, earning them the nickname “The Magnificent Seven”.
Roxburgh
During the final years of his rugby career, Roxburgh made a strategic decision to focus on his education and decided to skip a tour of Ireland and Scotland to complete his law exams.
Despite this, his influence on the sport and his principled actions continued to leave their mark.
His efforts in rugby and his stance against injustice were recognised by Nelson Mandela, who awarded him the Medal of Freedom.
After retiring from rugby, Roxburgh faced the challenges of dementia.
Even after his passing, he decided to help others by donating his brain to the Sydney Brain Bank to aid research into traumatic brain injury and its connection to the disease.