- Wallabies legend passed after health battle
- Part of one of sport’s greatest social justice movements
- Leaves behind a legacy of bravery beyond the field
Former Australian rugby star and staunch advocate for equality James Roxburgh has died age 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 engaging in his routine gym workout after battling dementia in his final years.
He leaves a lasting legacy not only on the rugby field but also in the fight against apartheid policies courtesy of a stand that was recognised by Nelson Mandela himself.
Born in Wudinna, South Australia, Roxburgh displayed a natural affinity for sports from a young age.
At Sydney’s prestigious The King’s School, he was an accomplished athlete, representing in athletics, rowing, and rugby.
This foundation paved the way for his studies at the University of Sydney, where he earned an award for his play in 1965.
James Roxburgh made the decision to be one of seven Wallabies who refused to play against South Africa during the apartheid era, cutting his career short
Freed South African president Nelson Mandela awarded Roxburgh the Medal of Freedom
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 garnered attention. In 1968, he represented Sydney and played a pivotal role in the narrow match against New Zealand.
His outstanding performance 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 backrower 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 stood firmly against the racial segregation policies upheld 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 a decisive choice to boycott matches against the all-white Springbok team during the 1971 tour, a stance that significantly contributed to the global pressure on South Africa to abandon apartheid.
In 1969, during a tour in South Africa, Roxburgh and his teammates became increasingly aware of the systemic racial discrimination prevalent in the country.
The group of Wallabies, including Roxburgh, took a strong stand against apartheid by refusing to play in matches that supported the regime’s policies.
This brave decision played a significant role in the larger fight against apartheid, earning them the nickname ‘The Magnificent Seven’.
Roxburgh
During the later years of his rugby career, Roxburgh made a strategic decision to focus on his education, choosing to skip a tour to Ireland and Scotland to complete his law exams.
Despite this, his influence on the sport and his principled actions continued to leave a mark.
His efforts in rugby and his stand 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 chose to help others by donating his brain to the Sydney Brain Bank to aid research on traumatic brain injury and its connection to the condition.
