Gert Coetzer ( – 10 November 2018), also known by the nickname of "Oupa" (meaning "Old Man" in Afrikaans),
Background
Gert Coetzer was born in
Bloemfontein, South Africa, he worked as a
Water supply superintendent in
Yorkshire , he bred and showed
, including the champion; "Vanda" , he died aged 79 in South Africa, and his funeral service took place at Nederduitse Gereformeerde Gemeente (Dutch Reformed Church) in
Doornpoort, North East
Pretoria, South Africa on Wednesday 14 November 2018.
Playing career
International honours
Gert Coetzer took part in a trial match for the South Africa (RU) (commonly known as the Springboks), he represented Other Nationalities (RL) while at Wakefield Trinity, he played on the in the 2–19 defeat by St. Helens at
Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Wednesday 27 January 1965, to mark the switching-on of new
,
represented Commonwealth XIII (RL) while at Wakefield Trinity in 1965 against New Zealand at Crystal Palace National Recreation Centre,
London on Wednesday 18 August 1965,
and was selected for the South Africa (RL) squad to play in the 1963 tour of Australia. Unfortunately, he sustained a dislocated shoulder during the second tour match, against Monaro south of
Canberra, and took no further part in the tour,
and as South Africa (RL) played no further internationals in this era, there were no further opportunities to win international caps.
Championship final appearances
Gert Coetzer played on the , and scored two tries in Wakefield Trinity's 21–9 victory over St. Helens in the Championship Final replay during the 1966–67 season at Station Road, Swinton on Wednesday 10 May 1967, and played on the in the 17–10 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers in the Championship Final during the 1967-68 season at Headingley,
Leeds on Saturday 4 May 1968.
[Hoole, Les (2004). Wakefield Trinity RLFC - FIFTY GREAT GAMES. Breedon Books. ]
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Gert Coetzer played on the , and scored two tries in Wakefield Trinity's 25–10 victory over
Wigan Warriors in the 1962–63 Challenge Cup Final during the 1962–63 season at Wembley Stadium,
London on Saturday 11 May 1963, in front of a crowd of 84,492, and played at in the 10–11 defeat by
Leeds Rhinos in the 1967–68 Challenge Cup "Watersplash" Final during the 1967–68 season at Wembley Stadium,
London on Saturday 11 May 1968, in front of a crowd of 87,100.
County Cup Final appearances
Gert Coetzer played on the in Wakefield Trinity's 18–2 victory over
Leeds Rhinos in the 1964–65 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1964–65 season at
Fartown Ground,
Huddersfield on Saturday 31 October 1964.
Club career
Gert Coetzer transferred from rugby union to rugby league with Wakefield Trinity during February 1963, he made his for Wakefield Trinity during March 1963, and he played his last match for Wakefield Trinity during the 1967–68 season.
Genealogical information
Gert Coetzer was married to Laurika (née Viljoen). They had children; Derek Coetzer (birth registered during first ¼ in
Dewsbury district).
External links
