About Philip J. Nel
Lived 1902 – 1984 (aged 81). Philip J. Nel was a South African rugby union player.
Philip Jacobus Nel (17 June 1902 – 11 February 1984) was a South African rugby player.
The son of Piet Nel and Kitty Maritz, he was educated at Maritzburg College, matriculating as Head Prefect and captain of the rugby First XV in 1921. Nel enjoyed the rare distinction of earning a Natal (open) rugby cap while still at school. He made his debut for the Springboks against the 1928 All Blacks, and captained the side in 1933 (against the Wallabies) and on the all-conquering tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937. Known affectionately as "The Greatest Springboks", Nel's 1937 team remains the only Springbok team ever to have won a test series in New Zealand.
Nel saw action in World War II, serving as a major in the Umvoti Mounted Rifles.
Married to Jose Havemann, they produced a family of four children (Louise, Jeanne, Piet, and Zettamarie). Affectionately known as "oom Flip", he farmed at 'Vetspruit' and died at his home in Greytown on 11 February 1984, after a long illness.
He is one of six captains to lead his side to a test series win on New Zealand soil, along with Trevor Allan (1949 Australia), John Dawes (1971 British Lions), Andrew Slack (1986 Australia), Philippe Saint-André (1994 France) and Johnny Sexton (2022 Ireland).
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Important facts
People in Philip J. Nel's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Philip J. Nel?
South African rugby union footballer
When was Philip J. Nel born?
Philip J. Nel was born on 17 June 1902 in Kranskop.
When did Philip J. Nel die?
Philip J. Nel died on 11 February 1984 in Greytown.
What was Philip J. Nel's occupation?
Philip J. Nel was a rugby union player.
What nationality was Philip J. Nel?
Philip J. Nel was South African.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Philip J. Nel. https://biography.guide/philip-j-nel/
MLA: "Philip J. Nel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/philip-j-nel/.
Chicago: "Philip J. Nel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/philip-j-nel/.
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