According to the DispatchLIVE website, they have been named as Swallows captain Mzwandile Yalezo and player Onke Gqadushea and Border Bulldogs logistic manager Tyron Roberts, who was also part of Swallows’ staff.

Two others in the vehicle were injured, but Border rugby has not released their names, saying only that they were recovering.

In a statement, Border rugby said: “The three rugby enthusiasts and comrades died in a car accident on their way to King William’s Town from a rugby match in Nxarhuni.”

In a statement the Eastern Cape transport department said the accident happened on the N2 near Breidbach. The victim’s Toyota Avanza overturned, killing three passengers, while the driver and one passenger sustained injuries.

No further details of the accident were available.

The union offered condolences to the families and rugby fraternity and asked the public to respect the families’ privacy.

Border rugby president Phumlani Mkolo confirmed a memorial service would take place this week, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed.