James Small

All Blacks pay tribute to dead South African rugby wing James Small

Small, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 1995 beating the All Blacks in a gripping final that went to extra time, was 50.

The South African Rugby Union said Small suffered a suspected heart attack late on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

"We are saddened to learn that Springboks great and 1995 Rugby World Cup winner James Small has passed away. A fierce competitor on the field and great friend off it, James will be missed by the entire global rugby community," the All Blacks tweeted.

South African rugby wing James Small dies at 50

 The South African Rugby Union said Small suffered a suspected heart attack late on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

Small played 47 Tests for South Africa between 1992 and 1997, scoring 27 tries, and was a key part of the team which won the World Cup on home soil in 1995.

The 15-12 victory over New Zealand in the final by South Africa's integrated team was a symbolic moment for the country, coming shortly after the end of apartheid.

In the final, Small lined up opposite New Zealand's star player Jonah Lomu and successfully prevented him from scoring.