Young rugby star to receive R3-Million compensation from RAF

08 Feb 2016

23 year old, Willem De Beer, seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on 30 November 2009 is set to receive in excess of R3,000,000.00 from the Road Accident Fund.

“The 23-year-old was awarded the amount in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria on 3 February 2016 by the Honourable Justice Louw,” according to his attorney, Jean-Paul Rudd, a Partner – from the Commercial, Property and Litigation practice of law firm Adams & Adams, who is representing Mr De Beer.

The Road Accident Fund in earlier proceedings agreed to compensate De Beer for 80% of his proven or agreed damages.

De Beer, a Grade 10 scholar at HTS Middelburg at the time of the collision, sustained serious injuries including, a femur fracture, an ulna fracture, extensive scarring, shortening of the left leg, torn muscles and broken teeth.

De Beer excelled at rugby prior to the collision; representing and captaining the Pumas at various age group levels and was also selected for the SA Bokkie team in 2011. His rugby achievements drew the attention of foreign rugby scouts whilst still at school and his intention was to pursue a rugby career in Italy after matric due to the financial reward of earning in Euros and the quota system in South African rugby.

In preparation for the hearing, De Beer’s legal team travelled to Italy to personally interview, and consult with Marius Goosen (Treviso Rugby Club head coach and former player), Polla Roux (former Rovigo Rugby Club head coach and player), Roland de Marigny (former Italian National and Parma Rugby Club player), and Riaan Mey (former Parma Club player and current head coach).

During the two day hearing it became clear that although De Beer had the right pedigree, his injuries would prevent him from ever pursuing a professional rugby career abroad.

De Beer, now working full time for his father’s construction company, has continued playing rugby in his spare time after the collision and has managed to represent the Pumas U/19 and U/21 rugby teams. He was also recently selected for the South African Rugby League Team.

See also: Rugby, intentional conduct, insurance and insolvency – All in one?

(This article is provided for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. For more information on the topic, please contact the author/s or the relevant provider.)