James Roxburgh: Footy great dies after making one of the most important protests in Aussie sporting history

Former Australian rugby star and fierce equality campaigner James Roxburgh has died at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy as one of the anti-apartheid Wallabies who helped change the game globally.

Roxburgh died on August 6 from a brain hemorrhage while working out at the gym after battling dementia in his final years.

He left a lasting impression not only on the rugby field, but also in the fight against apartheid policies, thanks to a stand recognised by Nelson Mandela himself.

Roxburgh was born in Wudinna, South Australia and showed a natural affinity for sport from an early age.

At the prestigious The King’s School in Sydney he was a successful athlete, competing in athletics, rowing and rugby.

This foundation paved the way for his studies at the University of Sydney, where he won a prize for his play in 1965.

Freed South African President Nelson Mandela Receives Medal of Freedom at Roxburgh

His promising rugby career began with his first senior match for New South Wales against Victoria at Olympic Park in 1967.

Roxburgh’s prowess on the field quickly attracted attention. In 1968 he represented Sydney and played a crucial role in the tight match against New Zealand.

His outstanding performances for the Junior Wallabies earned him a Test debut against the All Blacks, and he later shone in matches against France, Scotland and Wales.

He was a versatile player and was known for his strength and agility reminiscent of a backrower, despite being a prop.

James Roxburgh’s rugby career, however, is perhaps most celebrated for his moral courage and commitment to social justice.

As one of the anti-apartheid Wallabies, he strongly opposed the racial segregation policies of South African rugby teams.

During the apartheid regime, 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 determined decision to boycott matches against the all-white Springbok team during the 1971 tour. This stance contributed significantly to the worldwide pressure on South Africa to abandon apartheid.

In 1969, while on tour in South Africa, Roxburgh and his teammates became increasingly aware of the systematic racial discrimination that existed in the country.

The Wallabies group, which included Roxburgh, took a strong stand against apartheid by refusing to participate in matches that supported the regime’s policies.

This courageous decision played an important role in the wider struggle against apartheid and earned them the nickname ‘The Magnificent Seven’.

Roxburgh

In the final years of his rugby career, Roxburgh made the strategic decision to focus on his education, skipping a tour of Ireland and Scotland to complete his law exams.

Despite this, his influence on the sport and his principled actions continued to leave their mark.

His commitment to rugby and his fight against injustice were recognised by Nelson Mandela, who awarded him the Medal of Freedom.

After Roxburgh retired from rugby, he was diagnosed with dementia.

Even after his death, he decided to help others by donating his brain to the Sydney Brain Bank, supporting research into traumatic brain injury and its links to the condition.