Current:Home > FinanceVictorious Springboks arrive back to a heroes’ welcome in South Africa-LoTradeCoin
Victorious Springboks arrive back to a heroes’ welcome in South Africa
View Date:2024-12-23 18:23:32
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — World rugby champions South Africa arrived back in the country on Tuesday to a heroes’ welcome following a feat that saw them defend their title after beating New Zealand 11-12 in France over the weekend.
Thousands of Springboks supporters braved the cold and wet weather to gather at O.R. Tambo International Airport to welcome the squad, the first nation to lift the World Cup on four occasions.
The crowds went into a frenzy as captain Siya Kolisi entered the arrivals terminal hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy surrounded by the rest of his teammates.
It was a colourful affair, with many donning their green and gold Springboks jerseys, waving South African flags and holding up placards bearing congratulatory messages for the squad.
Supporters wearing Springbok jerseys or any South African colours were allowed to travel for free on the Gautrain train service to the airport, where traffic leading to the main terminals was jammed throughout the morning.
A South African Police Service band performed the national anthem and other iconic South African songs to welcome the squad back into the country.
The Springboks arrived the day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially declared a public holiday for Dec. 15 to honour the team’s victory.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity,” he said.
A four-day victory parade has been planned to celebrate the Boks’ victory in the major cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, where supporters will get a glimpse of the Webb Ellis trophy.
Kolisi, who has become a cult figure of sorts after leading the team to a World Cup victory for the second time in a row, was among the players who received the loudest cheers from the fans as the squad arrived at the international arrivals terminal.
“This means a lot to the country because rugby always unites us even though the country is facing so many problems, it’s a special moment for us,” said supporter Joseph Malherbe.
The squad’s victory tour will begin on Thursday.
veryGood! (3951)
Related
- After entire police force resigns in small Oklahoma town, chief blames leaders, budget cuts
- In a Summer of Deadly Deluges, New Research Shows How Global Warming Fuels Flooding
- To all the econ papers I've loved before
- Exploding California Wildfires Rekindle Debate Over Whether to Snuff Out Blazes in Wilderness Areas or Let Them Burn
- 'Red One' review: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans embark on a joyless search for Santa
- Whitney Cummings Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby
- What’s On Interior’s To-Do List? A Full Plate of Public Lands Issues—and Trump Rollbacks—for Deb Haaland
- These combat vets want to help you design the perfect engagement ring
- Eva Longoria Shares She and Her Family Have Moved Out of the United States
- ESPN's Dick Vitale says he has vocal cord cancer: I plan on winning this battle
Ranking
- Sting Says Sean Diddy Combs Allegations Don't Taint His Song
- A century of fire suppression is worsening wildfires and hurting forests
- Travelers can save money on flights by skiplagging, but there are risks. Here's what to know.
- Defense bill's passage threatened by abortion amendment, limits on Ukraine funding
- Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
- Inside Clean Energy: Biden’s Climate Plan Shows Net Zero is Now Mainstream
- Warming Trends: Cruise Ship Impacts, a Vehicle Inside the Hurricane’s Eye and Anticipating Climate Tipping Points
- Following the U.S., Australia says it will remove Chinese-made surveillance cameras
Recommendation
-
Alexandra Daddario Shares Candid Photo of Her Postpartum Body 6 Days After Giving Birth
-
Appeals court clears the way for more lawsuits over Johnson's Baby Powder
-
Driver hits, kills pedestrian while fleeing from Secret Service near White House, officials say
-
My 600-Lb. Life’s Larry Myers Jr. Dead at 49
-
Incredible animal moments: Watch farmer miraculously revive ailing chick, doctor saves shelter dogs
-
Gunman who killed 11 people at Pittsburgh synagogue is found eligible for death penalty
-
Inside Clean Energy: Ohio’s Bribery Scandal is Bad. The State’s Lack of an Energy Plan May Be Worse
-
The tide appears to be turning for Facebook's Meta, even with falling revenue