Springbok Greats - Tom van Vollenhoven

Dr. Danie Craven said of Tom:
"Tom first attracted my attention because of his speed, but he had weak hands. Many will disagree, but it is my belief that the further away from the scrum - in the three quarter line the less thinking there is to be done.
When you're on the wing you don't have to think about much except going for the corner. You have to concentrate your entire attention on running, on going for that line, and it is just coincidental if there's anybody in your way.
When Tom played in the first test in 1955 we saw that he was not a natural centre and selected him on the wing for the second test. But, which wing? We had Theuns Briers in the side and Tom certainly couldn't take his place. Eventually we put him on the left wing.
Tom had the ability to push off on his left foot and theoretically from there he would cut in and link up with his forwards.
It worked splendidly and at Newlands. Tom ran in three wonderful tries which helped South Africa to a well-deserved victory over a very good side one of the most outstanding wins in our history.
Later Tom joined rugby league in England and when I was in London some while after, I phoned him and we got together at my hotel and spoke far into the night.
He told me that while he was in South Africa he was a member of the S.A. Police Force, where there was plenty of discipline. Then he went to Rhodesia where he thought he could make a lot of money but he missed the discipline in his life; and when the offer came from St. Helens, he accepted.
As it turned out Tom Van Vollenhoven became probably the finest wing in the history of Rugby League, eclipsing even his fame as a Springbok which was considerable.

[@ybobcat]

Genius player, always worried for my Hull team when this guy got the ball. I grew up wondering if we would see his like again.

[@annetteelliott1494]

I was 11 at the time, no tv but my ears was glued to the radio.....he was my hero.....

[@annetteelliott1494]

Were. ......

[@harryhopworthy9600]

Tom van Vollenhoven. A great Rugby Union player, then switching from one version of Rugby to another at 22 years of age, and in doing so, becoming the greatest South African to have ever played the game of Rugby League.

[@RealRugby]

My dad told me all about Tom as he was one of his heroes. What a legend. He was a modest policeman and wanted a better future for him and his family, that's why he went to play league. He only played a handful of tests for the Boks, but is still considered as one of the greatest players ever. Legend.

[@harryhopworthy9600]

Real Rugby, thanks for all the videos you're uploading. I assume you're South African. Although I've lived in England for many years, I spent nearly 5 years in South Africa as a school boy. We lived in Durban, Kempton Park, Edenvale, Victoria Bay and Blanco. The last school I went to was Outeniqua High School, in George, which lies between Victoria Bay to the east, and Blanco to the west. In Blanco, we lived on a 30-acre farm, Oaklands Farm, so-called, because of all the Oak trees in the vicinity, If you looked due north, you had a lovely view of the Outeniqua Mountains.I remember it, just as though it was yesterday !!!! It's so fresh in my mind !! Eventually, my sister and I moved to England. I've never regretted it !! I've been very happy here. Most of the time, I've lived in Devon, where my family have lived for many generations. Currently I live in a tiny village in Wiltshire, but I'll be going back to Devon, for good, either late this year, or early next year. I've been living in this rented cottage, since the beginning of this year, 2017. So, when I go back to Devon, I'd have lived here, for a year, or as good as a year. I still follow Rugby Union. But moving to England, gave me the opportunity, to learn about another form of Rugby, namely, Rugby League. So, after all these interesting and exciting years, I've got the freedom to follow both Rugby Union and Rugby League. It's fantastic !! I love both games, and have absolutely no problem, in being a supporter of both 15's Rugby, and also, 13's Rugby. No problem whatsoever, also the short forms of both games, 7's, and 9's. Although Rugby League will never become as popular as Rugby Union in South Africa, it would still be a very effective sport for young and robust South Africans, who could very well blossom in a sport that's similar to Rugby Union, but still different. Having two forms of Rugby, creates loads more extra positions for players to show what they can do. In Rugby League or Rugby Union. And of course, at the very highest level, go on to play for the national side. The Springboks in Rugby Union. And the Rhinos in Rugby League. I think that the Head of South African Rugby League, Kobus Botha, should move the season to winter, and develop players who will play only the game of Rugby League. Currently, with 13's played in the summer, it's physically punishing for the players, who I suspect are really Rugby Union players, playing Rugby League, to keep fit in the off-season. The problem with this, is you're not creating a purely Rugby League player. Kobus will do what he thinks is best. But if South African 13's were to switch to winter, alongside 15's, I reckon you'd get positive results, reasonably quickly. Anyway, hats off, to both Rugby Union and Rugby League. I love both.

[@kjgier7]

If you ever visit St Helens, near Liverpool, just mention van Vollenhoven's name around the right company and you'll hear some stories. He's so beloved from his playing days with Saints that when they opened up their new stadium, they had exactly one person in mind to bring a ceremonial first ball out and kick off, and Tom did indeed answer their request.

[@ghtar]

I'm from st helens and I'm only 34 but I know how highly Tom is talked about. Also was lucky to have met him too. Just heard of his passing today. There will be a few glasses raised and tears around here tonight. RIP TOM "THE FLYING SPRINGBOK"

[@johnfoster2301]

Tom is a legend in the town,he is in the St.Helens best ever team,has a picture and a biography in the new stadium and also the rugby league hall of fame

[@annetteelliott1494]

I was only 10 and he was my hero.......oom Vollie I called him although I never met him.....

[@paulhart6926]

I wish South Africa played league also. They'd be a real force.

[@johnwhitehead3360]

Privileged to see him playing at Keighley

[@PaulKasner]

RIP Vonn. You did your best.

[@vincentreynolds2127]

THE GREATEST.

[@danielemerson312]

Definitely the only Apartheid-era South African Rugby Union player who has ever had a calypso song written about him. Plus he turned out to be a brilliant player at the professional level - just a shame it was for Saint Helens.