The Springboks were congratulated by Mr Mark Alexander, the President of SA Rugby, on Monday for an outstanding 2025 season, which included the successful defence of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title, as well as a second successive unbeaten Castle Lager Outgoing Tour to Europe.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi, the Springbok coaches, management team and the entire squad for their outstanding performances over the past year,” said Mr Alexander.
“Your sacrifices, dedication and unwavering commitment have once again united our nation and inspired millions. The Springboks have not only delivered excellence on the field, but have also carried themselves with dignity and humility off it – serving as true ambassadors of South Africa.”
Mr Alexander lauded the Boks – who returned to South Africa from Europe on Monday after winning all five Tests in November – for their resilience, discipline and teamwork.
“We salute the coaches, management and every player for the role you have played in strengthening the Springbok legacy,” he said.
“Your efforts have elevated South Africa’s standing on the global stage and reminded us all of the power of rugby and sport to bring people together.
“This not only defines our rugby heritage, but it’s a reminder that the Springbok jersey represents more than sport; it embodies unity, hope and the pride of our people.”
Mr Alexander also thanked SA Rugby’s corporate partners and provincial unions for their support throughout the season, at the end of which the Boks finished the year as the top-ranked team in the world for a third successive season.
“Your unwavering support makes these successes possible,” he said. “Equally, all of this can only work with the steadfast support of our member unions and their equity partners, whose commitment ensures the sustainability and strength of South African rugby at every level.
“On behalf of SA Rugby and the people of South Africa, I express our deepest gratitude and pride. You have made history and you have made our nation proud.”
Patton Digger
Sport Trivia: At the 2007 Cricket World cup, this South African batsman made history when he became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in a ODI match. Answer: Herschelle Gibbs. Herschelle is one of the Protea\’s best batsmen with over 5000 Test runs and over 6000 ODI runs. He is also an excellent fielder, and bowls in first class matches. When Herschelle is on form there is no stopping him, with many centuries and half centuries to his name. However, he also has a fair share of ducks and many matches where he has failed to make 10 runs.
Alpha
Sport Trivia: Who was the first woman swimmer to win both the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the Olympics? Answer: Penny Heyns. She won both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 1996 Olympics, the first woman to do so. She broke the world and Olympic records for the 100m breaststroke and broke the Olympic record for the 200m breaststroke. In 1999 she held 5 out of a possible 6 world breaststroke records, the first time this had ever been achieved (50m, 100m and 200m, plus same distances in 25m short course pool) — the one she \”missed\” was the 200m short course.