Springboks fullback Gelant receives hero’s welcome in hometown Knysna

The euphoria of the 2019 Rugby World Cup is far from over. Thousands of residents of Knysna in the Southern Cape painted their town green and gold as they welcomed back home their very own Springbok, Warrick Gelant. He scored two tries in Japan.

Wow I’m overwhelmed with all the support. Thank you Knysna, my home town for all of this. I really do appreciate it?❤ @KnysnaMuni pic.twitter.com/YUC1cfskbz

— Warrick Gelant (@WarrickGelant) November 20, 2019

Knysna is Gelant’s hometown and where he learned to love the game. He was joined by family and friends as he led a parade through the Garden Route town.

Gelant received a hero’s welcome after touching down at the George airport and driving through to his hometown.

Born in the township of Hornlee in 1995, Gelant grew up loving rugby. He received a scholarship to study at a school in George where he really started focussing on the game. This is where his rugby aspirations were honed.

Residents were beaming with pride as they welcomed him back home.

“I love Warrick. I love you Warrick Gelant. And we love Warrick. I was an All Black, but now I’m a Springbok. We are very excited. One of the World Cup winners is our home boy.”

Rugby fans and Knysna residents catching a glimpse of Warrick Gelant as the motorcade parade drives through the town #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/d5BkuXQAer

— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) November 20, 2019

The 24-year-old plays for the Blue Bulls at provincial level. He also made his name in Sevens Rugby.

His former teacher and Hornlee Community Leader, Ricky van Aswegan, says Gelant has stayed humbled to his roots.

“With all the fame that Warrick achieved, he still remains the same young kid that was playing in the streets of Hornlee. Hornlee people are very proud of him because when Warrick comes down to Knysna, he still lives in his parents’ house. A humble person, a person that cares for people, and I believe that every young kid running around in the streets of Hornlee can aspire to a person that’s so humble and keen to assist and help his own community.”

Following the world cup victory, Gelant’s been on a rollercoaster for the past few weeks. He’s welcomed the break back home.

“This is what you dream of, winning a World Cup and then come back home and celebrate it with the people. I think I’m a resemblance of what we go through and what you achieve if you work hard and do your thing.”

For the Garden Route residents who missed out on the excitement of the Springboks victory tour, it was honour to see their very own Springbok hero back home.