John Leslie Gainsford (August 4, 1938 – November 18, 2015) was a South African rugby union player (Springbok number 348).
He displayed remarkable versatility and unwavering dedication as a young sportsman throughout his school career, earning full colours for both rugby and athletics.
Gainsford's leadership skills were evident as he captained the school's rugby first team in his final year.
Furthermore, he distinguished himself academically as the head boy of his school, showcasing his commitment not only to sports but also to his education.
Winners take all, was his approach to rugby, and Doc Craven said about him, “John was one who never apologised for his belief that rugby was played to be won.” [7] He would attack with great determination and, with his physical power and blistering speed for a big man of over six feet tall, his opponents found it a daunting task to contain him.
He believed there was nobody better than him and simply made it his business to transform that belief into reality.”[7] Before making his international debut, Gainsford was chosen for the Junior Springbok tour to the Argentine in 1959.
After retiring from the game, Gainsford became a member of the Western Province Rugby Union executive.
Some of the Western Province Currie Cup squad players that he coached included Springboks Morne du Plessis, Dawie Snyman, Peter Whipp, Johan Oosthuizen, Robert Cockrell, Dugald Macdonald, Wilhelm Landman, Kobus Immelmann, and Doug Claxton.
Gainsford became an integral part of the business, especially the export division, remaining with the company when it became DGB.
[12] He worked for Graham Beck and then DGB as their international director focusing on sales and promotions.
[14][15][16] He is survived by his wife Shona, children Murray, Lindsay, Kirk, and Shona-Leigh, and 11 grandchildren.
Gainsford's wife, Shona, said that he never turned down an opportunity to help out at schools in Paarl as coach and mentor to players, or to appear as guest speaker.
He also established a fund for ex-rugby players who had fallen on hard times, even delivering groceries to their homes.
She said: "There is the story of Jannie who, through this 'ministry' gave up alcohol abuse, found faith and employment, and was then able to uplift himself by moving away from the river banks and buying a wendy house to live in.