Springbok no. 7 · Halfback
Oupa Versfeld
Marthinus Versfeld · WP
Test career
First test
30 Jul 1891, age 31 · Halfback v Britain, Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth
Last test
5 Sep 1891, age 31 · Halfback v Britain, Newlands, Cape Town
Biography
Oupa Versfeld was a cornerstone of the first Springbok pack, one of only four players who appeared in all three Tests of 1891. A Western Province forward, he faced the British tourists seven times in all during that visit.
Born in Cape Town on 15 May 1860 and educated at SACS and Green Point Grammar School, he was 31 at the time of his debut, making him one of the oldest men in the side. He belonged to a remarkable rugby family: his brother Hasie also played for South Africa, and another brother, Loftus, gave his name to the famous ground in Pretoria. He died on 1 September 1931.
Test history
3 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jul 1891 |  Britain | Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth | Halfback | L 0–4 | WP |
| 29 Aug 1891 | Britain | Eclectic Cricket Ground, Kimberley | Halfback | L 0–3 | WP |
| 05 Sep 1891 | Britain | Newlands, Cape Town | Halfback | L 0–4 | WP |