Jantjies's dad dies of bee sting

Springbok and Stormers flyhalf Elton Jantjies's father died on Saturday after he was stung by a bee.

Thomas Jantjies, 46, a warrant officer in the army, died in 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria after complications from a bee sting.

It was always his dream that his sons, Elton, 22, and Tony, 20, would play for the national team.

Elton made his debut for the Springboks in September last year and Tony played for the Baby Boks against Ireland.

At the Stormers' last training camp Elton said his father played a big role in his rugby career.

“He would always help me with my kicking. When I am tired, he would push me. He is always the one who would say stay positive,” he was quoted as saying.

Elton tweeted: “God has come to fetch another Angel. RIP Dad. You will remain in our hearts forever.”

It has been confirmed that Jantjies returned to Johannesburg for his father's funeral and will not play for the Stormers when they travel to Bloemfontein on Saturday to face the Cheetahs in a pre-season match.

Tony, who plays for the Blue Bulls in Pretoria, tweeted: "Words can't describe what your support means to us during this sad time. Thank you all. RIP Dad, you will be dearly missed."

Funeral arrangements were not known.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union extended their condolences to Tony, Elton and mother Alma.

"We really are one big family at the Bulls and we all feel with the Jantjies family in this difficult time," said Xander Janse van Rensburg, the High Performance Manager at the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd.

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