Philip J. Nel

The son of Piet Nel and Kitty Maritz, he was educated at Maritzburg College, matriculating as Head Prefect and captain of the rugby First XV in 1921.

Nel enjoyed the rare distinction of earning a Natal (open) rugby cap while still at school.

He made his debut for the Springboks against the 1928 All Blacks, and captained the side in 1933 (against the Wallabies) and on the all-conquering tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937.

Nel saw action in World War II, serving as a major in the Umvoti Mounted Rifles.

Married to Jose Havemann, they produced a family of four children (Louise, Jeanne, Piet, and Zettamarie).