By Daniel Edu
Returning from France after clinching their fourth Rugby World Cup title, South Africa’s rugby union team received a rapturous welcome that can only be described as heroic. This victory marks a historic achievement for the South African squad, making them the most successful team in the history of the Rugby World Cup, having won four out of their eight appearances in the tournament.
Their glorious moment came on Saturday, October 29, when they triumphed over New Zealand in a thrilling match to secure the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Springboks, as they are affectionately known, have become accustomed to World Cup glory, but this win still sparked immense joy and celebration.
At Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport, a sea of passionate fans gathered to greet the victorious team. Hours before the Springboks’ arrival, hundreds of supporters had already converged in the arrivals hall, dancing, singing the national anthem, and proudly waving their national flags. Such was South Africa’s enthusiasm for rugby that, despite the chilly weather, enthusiastic fans were provided with free airport transportation by the high-speed commuter train connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The excitement was so overwhelming that some parents even decided to take their children out of school to be part of the welcome reception for the triumphant team. When the Springboks finally landed amidst the jubilant crowd, the team’s captain, Siya Kolisi, proudly hoisted the World Cup trophy, sending waves of euphoria through the gathered supporters.
Speaking to reporters, Kolisi emphasized that their victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup wasn’t just for the players; it was for all South Africans. He explained, “We made a decision that we had already won the World Cup in 2019 – it’s not about us as players anymore. We wanted to make sure that this one is for the people of South Africa. This one is for every single person in South Africa. Rich, poor… it doesn’t matter where you come from. This trophy is also for people who come from tough circumstances in disadvantaged areas – areas that are not well-resourced. For the kid who sits in Zwide, who sits in Goodwood, who sits in Malmesbury… this is for you because we come from those environments, we come from those backgrounds.”
