PICTURES AND VIDEOS: Thousands brave cold, rain to welcome Boks
SPOTLIGHT: Thousands of South Africans braved cold, wet weather to greet the World Cup-winning Springboks when they arrived in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Many wore green and gold, the colours of the national team, as they filled every available space at OR Tambo airport to greet the record four-time world champions.
South Africa edged greatest rivals New Zealand 12-11 in a gripping Final in Paris last Saturday to achieve back-to-back titles after also winning the 1995 and 2007 title deciders.
Supporters cheered in unison as captain Siya Kolisi emerged into the public area, waved at the crowd while holding the Webb Ellis Cup, and took selfies with jubilant supporters.
“Thank you to the people of South Africa. We have had a long and tough 20 weeks, but it was worth it,” said Kolisi.
“This triumph has been six years in the planning.
“Winning the World Cup in 2019 was an unexpected bonus as the ultimate goal was always to be champions in 2023.”
See some of those images and videos below:
#LIVE: #BoksInSA #ChampsHasLanded #HierKomDieBokke
Scenes from earlier
Follow all the action –> https://t.co/k6uQI8ABeD pic.twitter.com/vjGVq1wZRK— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 31, 2023
The #Springboks are back in South Africa 🥳🇿🇦🏆#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/IBYKzlXxfn
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 31, 2023
