Booysen, who had experience of managing listed companies as well as national and multi-national organisations, headed the Gauteng franchise between January 2013 and August 2014 and was respected and well-loved by his peers, staff and rugby fraternity, Mr Alexander said.

“We really feel for Magda, his children and grandchildren as they have lost a great husband, dad and grandfather,” said Mr Alexander.

“Manie really was a wonderful man with so much empathy, love for his family and sadly for us, a rugby man of great pedigree.

“The rugby fraternity has lost someone who really cared for the game, from the early days as a player at Oostelikes club till his time as CEO of the Golden Lions.

"He was a good source of advice to me personally and all of us who dealt with him in the boardroom say goodbye to a man of integrity and good standing.”

Mr Alexander added that Booysen was immensely popular and served the Lions well during a difficult time in their history, developing solid and lasting relationships with all the different unions of SA Rugby.

“A most diligent man and always immaculate in his appearance and place of work, Manie was a fine example of how constructive we can be as human beings,” added Mr Alexander.

“He will be missed by all with sadness, but also gratitude that we knew a man who showed us the best of mankind.”