World rugby champions South Africa have arrived again within the nation to a heroes’ welcome following a feat that noticed them defend their title after beating New Zealand 11-12 in France
ByMOGOMOTSI MAGOME Related Press
October 31, 2023, 6:31 AM
South Africa’ Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, holds the Webb Ellis cup after arriving with different gamers at O.R Tambo’s worldwide airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Oct. 31, 2023, following the Rugby World Cup. (AP Picture/Jerome Delay)
The Related Press
JOHANNESBURG — World rugby champions South Africa arrived again within the nation on Tuesday to a heroes’ welcome following a feat that noticed them defend their title after beating New Zealand 11-12 in France over the weekend.
1000’s of Springboks supporters braved the chilly and moist climate to assemble at O.R. Tambo Worldwide Airport to welcome the squad, the primary nation to elevate the World Cup on 4 events.
The crowds went right into a frenzy as captain Siya Kolisi entered the arrivals terminal hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy surrounded by the remainder of his teammates.
It was a vibrant affair, with many donning their inexperienced and gold Springboks jerseys, waving South African flags and holding up placards bearing congratulatory messages for the squad.
Supporters sporting Springbok jerseys or any South African colors have been allowed to journey free of charge on the Gautrain practice service to the airport, the place visitors resulting in the primary terminals was jammed all through the morning.
A South African Police Service band carried out the nationwide anthem and different iconic South African songs to welcome the squad again into the nation.
The Springboks arrived the day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa formally declared a public vacation for Dec. 15 to honour the workforce’s victory.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity,” he stated.
A four-day victory parade has been deliberate to have fun the Boks’ victory within the main cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape City and Durban, the place supporters will get a glimpse of the Webb Ellis trophy.
Kolisi, who has develop into a cult determine of kinds after main the workforce to a World Cup victory for the second time in a row, was among the many gamers who obtained the loudest cheers from the followers because the squad arrived on the worldwide arrivals terminal.
“This implies lots to the nation as a result of rugby at all times unites us though the nation is going through so many issues, it is a particular second for us,” stated supporter Joseph Malherbe.
The squad’s victory tour will start on Thursday.
