Siya Kolisi with the Webb Ellis Cup as fans gather at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the Rugby World Cup winning Springboks back home, 31 October 2023. Picture: Neil McCartney / The Citizen
The Springboks arrived to a heroes’ welcome at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday after winning the Rugby World Cup 2023.
The Boks retained their title by beating New Zealand 12-11 in France on Saturday night.
Thousands of supporters across the country came wearing green and gold Springbok jerseys, while others wore South African colours and held up placards or waved the country’s flag to welcome their heroes.
The supporters braved the cold and wet weather to witness the Springboks walking out of the arrival terminal. Those who wore Bok jerseys or South African colours were given free rides on the Gautrain train to the airport and back.
A police band performed numerous songs before the Bokke arrived, and played the national anthem as captain Siya Kolisi came out hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy as the crowd went wild with their phones held up taking photos and videos.
The Boks arrived the day after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a public holiday for 15 December to honour the Springboks’ victory in France.
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