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His son, Justin, in relating the news to The Sharks explains, “He was an enthusiastic rugby supporter and watched all the games, and would never miss a Sharks game. On his 100th birthday in 2010, which was held at the Blue Marlin Hotel, Scottburgh, a member of your team very kindly attended and made a presentation to him. This meant a great deal to him, for which we thank you.”
Dr Thiel was the oldest Natal rugby player, having represented the province at scrumhalf in 1935.
He was born on 22 October, 1910, one of four children. He started his rugby career whilst studying to be a veterinarian at Pretoria University and in his first year was the captain of their 1st XV.
After qualifying in 1934 he worked for the Government Veterinary Services before going into private practice with Jack Boswell in Johannesburg.
In 1937 he married Cynthia Stott and they had four children; two daughters and two sons. All his children are still alive and between them have 14 grandchildren and numerous great grand children.
During World War 2 he volunteered his services to the SA Veterinary Corps, attaining the rank of major. His service saw him traveling to India and during the Burma campaign he was responsible for supplying mulls to the Allied Forces.
He was an avid fan of rugby and watched all the games on TV with interest.
In 2008, the KZNRU invited three of the older ex-Natal rugby players to join them in the President’s Suite on match day and introduced them on the field to the public. All three played provincial rugby during the following years: Willie Odendaal (1946-53), Trevor Worman (1946-51) and Chris Klopper (1952-61).
At 84 years of age, the oldest was Mr Odendaal and there was speculation as to whether he was perhaps the oldest living ex-Natal player. This possibility was soon dispelled when the Union was contacted by Harvey Thiel, son of Dr. Arthur Thiel, who had become aware of our honouring past players.
“He certainly took us by surprise when he advised that his father was 98 years old and had played for Natal in 1935,” said Pete Smith (KZNRU CEO). “This of course made the other look like youngsters.”
The KZNRU and The Sharks (Pty) Ltd wish to pass on to his family their sincerest condolences at the passing of a son of Natal Rugby.
