Philip Jakobus was die seun van Johannes Petrus Nel en Margaretha Cornelia Maritz.
(https://www.geni.com/people/Flip-Nel/6000000026602716435)
(https://www.geni.com/people/Jose-Nel-Havemann/6000000026603085853)
Philip Jacobus Nel (17 June
1902, in Kranskop district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – 11 February 1984,
in Greytown) was a former South African Springbok captain.
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 4 children.
Affectionately known as "oom Flip", he farmed at 'Vetspruit' and died
at his home in Greytown on 11 February 1984, after a long illness. (http://www.liquisearch.com/philip_j_nel)
Springbok Rugby Player
(http://www.sarugby.net/playerprofile.aspx?id=46603&category=&leagueid=0)
Test debut 30 June 1928 vs New
Zealand in Durban aged 26
Last test: 25 September 1937 vs
New Zealand in Auckland aged 35
Total Springbok matches 46
Captain in 8 tests
See also article about his
rugby career on this website
(http://www.pmbcollegiansrugbyclub.co.za/collegians-history.php)
Memorial tablet at 'Menneheim' near Greytown
