André Bestbier

André Bestbier (31 March 1946 – 8 August 2021)^[1] was a South African rugby union player and army officer, who was the commander of the Orange Free State Command from 1992 to 1995.^[2][3][4]

André Bestbier

Birth name	André Bestbier
Date of birth	(1946-03-31)31 March 1946
Place of birth	Potchefstroom, South Africa
Date of death	8 August 2021(2021-08-08) (aged 75)
Place of death	Pretoria, South Africa
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight	90 kg (198 lb)
School	Oudtshoorn High School
Notable relative(s)	Frank Bestbier (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1972–1976 Free State 30 () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1974 South Africa 1 (0) 1974 South Africa (tour) 4 (0)

Rugby career

Bestbier played his provincial rugby for the Free State and made his test debut for the Springboks during the Springbok tour of France, as a replacement for Robert Cockrell after 28 minutes in the second half of the second test on 30 November 1974 at Parc des Princes in Paris.^[5] This second half appearance was his only test for South Africa, but he played in a further four tour matches for the Springboks during the French tour.^[6]

Test history

No.	Opposition	Result (SA 1st)	Position	Tries	Date	Venue
1.	France	10–8	Replacement		30 November 1974	Parc des Princes, Paris

See also

• List of South Africa national rugby union players – Springbok no. 485

References

1. Pienaar, Cheréne (9 August 2021). "Oud-Bok en valskerm-springer van Bloem oorlede [Former Bok and parachutist from Bloem dies]". Netwerk24 (in Afrikaans). Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
2. "Andre Bestbier". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
3. "Bestbier lei Weermag in die Vrystaat [Bestbier leads Army in the Free State]". Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
4. Heenop, Albert (2 June 2019). "Bok-haker bêre tokse vir soldaat-stewels [Bok-hooker puts away rugby boots for soldier boots]". Netwerk24. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
5. Jooste, Graham K. (1995). South African rugby test players 1949-1995. Johannesburg: Penguin. p. 90. ISBN 0140250174. OCLC 36916860.
6. Colquhoun, Andy (1999). The South African Rugby Annual 1999. Cape Town: MWP Media Sport. p. 140. ISBN 0958423148.

Military offices
Preceded by E. Olckers	OC 1 Reconnaissance Commando 1983 – 1988	Succeeded by G. Keulder
Preceded by Reginald Otto	OC Orange Free State Command 1992 – 1995	Succeeded by Mos Grobler