Professor Johannes Theodorus Claassen (23 September 1929 – 6 January 2019)[1] was a South African rugby player, playing at the second-row forward position.

[1] In 1958, Claassen became captain of the South African National Team before a match against the French.

In 1962, he led the South African team to a winning streak, including a major victory over the British and Irish Lions.

From 1968 to 1971 he was head coach of the South African team, known as the Springboks, winning 17 out of 26 test matches.

[3] After retiring from rugby he went on to become a teacher, before becoming a lecturer at Potchefstroom University and later a Professor of Bible Studies.