THE 2019 Rugby World Cup champions will be in Durban as part of their nationwide tour that will afford fans a rare opportunity to see the Webb Ellis Cup and interact with the winning team, including Captain Siya Kolisa. eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda is calling on all eThekwini residents to come out in their numbers and join him when he welcomes the victorious Springboks into the City on Friday, 8 November to celebrate their 32-12 victory over England on Saturday last week.
“This win could not have come at a better time for the country. The boys truly gave it their all, and we are extremely proud as the City and the country,” said Kaunda.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the final in Japan, said it was a historic win.
“This historic win has been achieved with the passionate support of more than 57 million South Africans who have been inspired by the Springboks’ performances throughout the tournament. This is a powerful indicator of what we can achieve as South Africans when we set goals for ourselves and we work together to achieve success.This is a moment of inspiration for all South Africans in all avenues of life and all sectors of our society. It is a moment that is embedded forever in our national memory,” he said.
The team, which also scooped several awards at the World Rugby Awards at a glittering event in Tokyo, are expected back in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Springboks were named World Rugby Team of the Year, while coach Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Year. Flank Pieter-Steph du Toit was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year.
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Kolisi attributed their win to the immense support they received from all South Africans.
“South Africa this is for you. If we work together and strive to be better, each and every day, we can achieve anything,” he said.
The City will this Sunday, 10 November, host the South African Sport Awards.
The event is an initiative of the Department of Sport and Recreation in partnership with South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee. The awards will be held at the Durban Playhouse Theatre at 8pm. Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Nathi Mthethwa is expected to attend the awards. The aim of the awards is to honour and recognise sporting excellence.
The route for the Durban parade will be confirmed later in the week said Lindiwe Nkosi, Media Operations Coordinator for SA Rugby.
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