Born 2 January 1967 in Vereeniging, and matriculated at Hoërskool Patriot, Witbank, he won an athletic scholarship to the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), now the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and enrolled for a Law degree. He made his provincial debut for Transvaal Province in 1989 before being selected for the South African squad in 1993. He played flanker for the Springboks from 1993 until 1996, winning 29 international caps, all of them as captain. He is best known for leading South Africa to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
During his Rugby playing days, he also had a 'day job' and built a successful trading and property business in Midrand.
The property with vacant land (now the newly built housing complex) was bought by a local church community in 2000. The original house was transformed into the church building it is now in 2005. Just over two years ago (2013), a creche (KIGA) was started and now also the Midrand Afrikaanse Akademie (primary) school is using the premises during the week. The cheche and school have now changed hands and have been rebranded,
The vacant land was sold to a developer and the complex was built. The original entrance to the church property was on the opposite side on 11th road. Only traces of where the entrance was remain - and probably only noticable by those who know where to look.
The Afrikaans Reformed Church members of South Africa are often called "Doppers" and to "Jol" is to have a great time. I have chosen this cache name to describe the fond memories I have of times spent here.