Springbok Lock Franco Mostert mourns the loss of a loved one

Mostert missed the Boks’ win against Argentina over the weekend

Katlego Sekhu

Springbok lock Franco Mostert is mourning the loss of his beloved mother.

Sharing the news, Mostert expressed deep gratitude for her love and presence throughout his life.

“For 34 years, Mom was always there, even though it wasn’t always sunshine and roses. But I will always be grateful for the time that the Lord lent her to us.

I know this is not forever. One day, in Heaven, I will see you again, Mom, without pain, without tears, just love. Until that day, I carry you in my heart, always. Thank you for everything, Mom. Love you.”

Following the family bereavement, Mostert remained in South Africa and was unable to travel with the national team for their final Rugby Championship fixture against Argentina in London.

Mostert’s wife, Juanri, also paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, thanking her for raising the man she loves.

“Fly free, Grandma Jannet.
I will always honour you because you brought the love of my life into this world, and thank you also for all the lessons I could learn from you. Love.”

Juanri went on to share a touching moment that occurred shortly before her mother-in-law’s passing, which she described as “special.”

“A black garden bird flew into our house. I’m not sure what species it was, but Google tells me it might have been a spreeu.

Old Jem was very frightened and crying about the bird flying through our rooms, so I opened all the windows and doors to let it out. In my hurry, one of the sliding windows scratched my right wrist. The scratch and blood formed the shape of a cross,” she recalled, adding that she regretted not taking a photo of the bird.

She continued, showing the cross on her wrist.

“The fact that the spreeu flew into our safe space uninvited felt like a message I had to receive from God. Birds symbolise the soul or spirit. In Greek, pneuma means spirit or breath, and in Hebrew, ruach means wind or spirit. It was something physical that connected me to something spiritual.”