The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Christie Noble, the former Natal and Western Province rugby wing, who died on Friday, 6 November 2026, at the age of 63. The Minister extends his condolences to the Noble family, SA Rugby, the Sharks, and the broader South African rugby community.
Noble was a member of the Natal side that won the union’s first Currie Cup title in 1990, its centenary year. SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has noted that Noble was the only Black player in that title-winning team, at a time when opportunities in South African rugby were far from equal. His presence and contribution in that side speak to the long and difficult road travelled by Black rugby players under apartheid, and his legacy remains an important part of the sport’s transformation story.
Beyond a playing career that also included spells with Western Province, WP Liga and Eastern Province, Noble went on to serve as an assistant coach to South Africa’s first Springbok Women’s team in 2004, helping lay the foundations of the women’s game in this country.
He is remembered, too, as the uncle of current Sharks head coach JP Pietersen, with whom SA Rugby and the Sharks have joined in paying tribute to him this week. Noble mentored his nephew from a young age, ensuring he went on to become a Springbok legend and Rugby World Cup winner in 2007.
Beyond his achievements in rugby, Noble remained committed to uplifting his community, mentoring young players and promoting health and fitness among residents of his hometown of Cloetesville.
“Christie Noble’s story is one of quiet courage and lasting contribution, on and off the field. He broke barriers at a time when few had the chance to, and he gave of himself again by helping to build women’s rugby in this country. On behalf of the Department, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, to SA Rugby, and to everyone in our rugby community who is mourning him today,” said Minister McKenzie.
The Minister wishes the Noble family strength and comfort at this difficult time.
For media enquiries:
Ms Stacey-Lee Khojane
Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi
Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 72 172 8925
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