Former rugby star Jeffrey de Jong dies

S. M. JIFFRY ABDEEN, Kandy Sports Corr.

The death occurred in Australia of former St. Peter's College, Havelocks and Sri Lanka Sevens rugby captain Jeffrey de Jong after a terminal illness yesterday.

Jeffrey de Jong first shot into fame in 1969 as a fine flanker for St. Peter's College and his best year was in 1972 when he captained the Peterites when they became unofficial school champions winning all their matches. There was no schools rugby tournament at that time.

He continued his rugby after leaving school playing for Havelocks Sports Club as a fearless forward. His fine performances earned him a place in the national rugby team regularly.

He also captained the Sri Lanka Sevens team in 1977 and continued his rugby for the Park Club till he migrated to Australia in the eighties.