Springbok fans from different races celebrated side by side at the OR Tambo International Airport when the 2019 Rugby World Champions returned home with the Webb Ellis trophy on Tuesday night.
Thousands of jubilant supporters started arriving at the airport as early as one o’clock in the afternoon to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
The team did not only return with the trophy and the gold medals, but also brought back three prestigious awards from the World Rugby Awards which were held in Japan at the weekend.
Springboks skipper, Siya Kolisi says all South Africans should get some inspiration from their World Cup Rugby journey and believe that nothing is impossible.
Kolisi was speaking at a media conference at the OR Tambo International Airport after his return to South Africa from Japan.
Kolisi who was carrying the Webb Ellis Trophy was given a hero’s welcome by crowds of ecstatic fans, some of whom were wearing the green and gold while others were in traditional attire.
Kolisi says team mate Makazole Mapimpi is an example of a South African who is from under-privileged background that has made it big on the world stage.
Coach Rassie Erasmus, who celebrated his birthday as the Boks arrived home has echoed Kolisi’s comments saying he hopes the Springboks will continue to inspire South Africans for many years to come.
Erasmus says there were concerns about Kolisi’s fitness, but the Boks captain bounced back.
