Kolisi in salute to SA rugby supporters

SOUTH Africa captain Siya Kolisi said he was “tired but grateful, humbled and overawed” after the Rugby World Cup winners were greeted by thousands of fans on their return to the country.

The Springbokswon 32-12 over England in Yokohama to claim a record-equalling third trophy and a large portion of the squad landed in Johannesburg on three different flights yesterday, with more to return today.

Kolisi, South Africa’s first black rugby captain, was mobbed by supporters as he carried the Webb Ellis Cup through OR Tambo International airport.

“In Japan, we got a glimpse of the support back home but this reception is something else. We can’t begin to thank everyone for backing us throughout this journey,” Kolisi added.

“We did this for all South Africans, ordinary people who work tirelessly all day long to care for their families and friends and ultimately make our wonderful country an even better place.

“Winning the World Cup on foreign soil was very special and arriving home to this wonderful support is the cherry on top.”

Kolisi, coach Rassie Erasmus, vice-captain Handre Pollard and others had been delayed for a few hours in Sydney ahead of the final leg of their journey but fans stuck around having earlier greeted the likes of World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph Du Toit and final try scorers Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi.

The squad will now embark on a ‘Champions Tour’, taking in appearances in Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town after kicking off with a parade through Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto tomorrow.

“We brought the Webb Ellis Cup home for all

South Africans and we really wish we could go everywhere to thank our supporters. Unfortunately, logistics and time constraints doesn’t allow for that to happen this time,” said Erasmus.

“I agree with Siya. The support at the airport today made all the hard work and sacrifices over the last two months worth it. Thank you to everyone who came out to greet us tonight.”