Springbok no. 71 · Forward
Klondyke Raaff
John William Edmund Raaff · Griquas
Test career
First test
29 Aug 1903, age 24 · Forward v Britain, Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg
Last test
6 Aug 1910, age 31 · Forward v Britain, Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg
Biography
Klondyke Raaff was a powerful Griqualand West forward who played six Tests between 1903 and 1910. Born on Robben Island on 10 March 1879 and educated at Kimberley Boys’ High, he stood 1.90 m and was famous for the force of his tackling and running.
He made his debut in the 10–10 draw with the British Isles in 1903 and toured Britain and Ireland in 1906–07, where he scored a try in the 11–0 win over Wales at Swansea, a performance that made his name. His last Test was the 14–10 win over the British Isles in Johannesburg in 1910. He died on 13 July 1949.
Test history
6 tests · 3 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1903 |  Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Forward | D 10–10 | Griquas |
| 05 Sep 1903 | Britain | Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley | Forward | D 0–0 | Griquas |
| 17 Nov 1906 |  Scotland | Hampden Park, Glasgow | Forward | L 0–6 | Griquas |
| 01 Dec 1906 |  Wales | St. Helens, Swansea | Forward | W 11–0 | Griquas |
| 08 Dec 1906 |  England | Crystal Palace, London | Forward | D 3–3 | Griquas |
| 06 Aug 1910 | Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Forward | W 14–10 | Griquas |