FOUR years since the passing of Saints legend Tom van Vollenhoven, the Flying Springbok’s legacy lives on in his native South Africa.

The St Helens Vultures, based in Springs, are team who were named in tribute to Vollenhoven, who graced the Saints flanks between 1957-68.

They field two teams in South Africa's fledgling competition with matches taking place in the Rhino and Protea Cup competitions.

They are one of 14 clubs who have initially returned to action after 20 months of inactivity, with league teams based in towns and cities as diverse as Pretoria, Brits, Boksburg, Springs, Marble Hall, Cape Town, Witbank and Ermelo.

Born in Bethlehem, Orange Free State, Vollenhoven scored a phenomenal 392 tries in 409 appearances for St Helens with his name revered for those exploits.

When he died on 21 October 2017 tributes poured from across the rugby world, with a packed commemoration taking place in St Helens.

However, the team Voll inspired lives on in a country where the 13-man code is just about getting back on the right track after years of internal wrangling which cost the sport players and clubs.

The re-formed St Helens Vultures compete in Division 1, with the Rhino Cup at stake, competing against Pretoria, University of Pretoria, Grizzlies, Knights, Bulldogs and Spartan. The Vultures also have a second team in the Protea Cup.

SARLSA CEO Frans Parsons explained: “The Vultures were founded in the mid-90s and the reason was indeed to pay a tribute to Tom van Vollenhoven although there is no official link to St Helens.

“They were always a strong side, but a few years ago the club died. They were recently re-started and this season is their first and yet again they look very strong.”

Judging by the latest third round results of the Rhino Cup, the Vultures are picking up critical momentum and staking a definite early claim to the championship. They recently scored a comprehensive victory of 62-6 over the pride of Pretoria University.