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A former Wales head coach and globally renowned Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) expert, the Chief Financial Officer of FTSE 250 plc financial services firm, Rathbones, and a 94-times capped double-Grand Slam winner have joined the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Board. Amanda Bennett, Jennifer Mathias and Jamie Roberts have all been appointed to independent Non-Executive …
The Springbok Women have shown glimpses of their ability against top-10-ranked teams in the world and according to head coach Louis Koen, that bodes well for the future of the team and future WXV competitions. The South Africans completed their WXV 2 campaign with a hard-fought, but deserved 33-7 victory over Samoa – their first …
Government congratulates World Cup champions
Government has joined millions of South Africans, Africans and Springbok fans from across the globe in congratulating the 2023 Rugby World Cup champions, after beating News Zealand during the tournament’s final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night.
In this record-breaking victory, the Springboks showed determination, creativity and strength against New Zealand’s All Blacks.
South Africa’s unwavering confidence in the Springboks was symbolised by the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa in France, to help the champions to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
The national rugby side is the first team in a Rugby World Cup to win the tournament for a record fourth time.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the victory confirms South Africa’s highest standing in world rugby.
“The Springboks symbolise the resolve, resilience and unbreakable spirit of South Africans as a nation. Never has a team, which was once at the centre of dividing a nation, risen time and again to unite and rally the nation behind one flag, a single identity, and the nation brand.
“The Springboks represent something more than themselves; they unite us in our diversity but one nation. We are proud of the leadership of Captain Siya Kolisi, who led the mighty team to victory. We would also like to appreciate the support of South Africans of all works of life,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister emphasised that supporting national teams is not just about the game, but “forging a collective spirit that extends beyond the field”.
“It's about instilling a sense of pride in our national identity, reminding us of the incredible strength we possess when we stand together.”
She added that the Springbok’s have etched South Africa’s name in the annals of history.
“We are eternally proud of you Bokke! In your team effort, the camaraderie in your camp, and a truly South African vibe you carried, you demonstrated that indeed we are stronger together - you proved that to the more than 62 million of us and millions more from the African continent who stood behind you. We can’t wait to welcome you back home,” Ntshavheni said.
Government has also congratulated the All Blacks for their excellent display of rugby skill against the Springboks and commended all South Africans for rallying behind the team and supporting them through the nail-biting games. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 10:30
Celebrating South Africa's victory against New Zealand in the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):
Dear Mighty Springboks,
Congratulations! We never doubted your greatness. We never doubted the results. From the very beginning, we knew that your indomitable spirit was in the right place. Your refusal to accept defeat was a testament to your character.
From the players who started the game to those who came off the bench, from the dedicated technical staff to the coaches, medics, and psychologists, we had faith. Losing was never an option.
On this day of greatness, with the ball that we love so much, which seemed to be drawn to YOU, following YOU and carrying YOU to this incredible victory.
All 1.4 billion of us followed YOU, pushed YOU on, sharing in your pain, knowing that YOU would lead us to victory.
To my dear friend and brother, Mark, congratulations.
To the coaches, the technical staff, and the dedicated support personnel, we extend our gratitude. To Siya, the greatest captain of this World Cup, and your entire squad, we thank you.
YOU have not only secured victory but offered hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and confidence to those who may have doubted themselves.
Africa thanks you, congratulations!
Herbert Mensah
President, Rugby Africa
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
Enjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it will monitor places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings ahead of, during and post the 2023 Rugby World Cup final match.
The National Crime Combatting Forum (NCCF) consisting of all Provincial Commissioners has met under the command of National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to discuss the operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security of these gatherings and that police are on hand to enforce the law at all times.
The SAPS said in a statement on Saturday that General Masemola was satisfied with the plans to monitor tonight’s festivities, as part of Operation Shanela, which includes regular roadblocks, stop and searches as well as the tracing of wanted suspects.
“It is on this note that the SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.
“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and most importantly not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly,” said the police.
The Springboks will play against New Zealand at the Stade de France in France, where the team hopes to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup.
Kickoff is set for 21:00 this evening and will be broadcast on sports channels and SABC. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sat, 10/28/2023 - 10:23
President arrives in France to support the Springboks
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the French Republic to cheer on and back the Springboks in their 2023 Rugby World Cup final match this evening.
The Springboks will play against New Zealand at the Stade de France where the team hopes to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup.
Kickoff is set for 21:00 this evening and will be broadcast on sports channels and SABC.
“Ahead of the highly anticipated final, the President will interact with the Springbok team to wish them well and inspire them to victory.
“The Springboks have inspired all South Africans and the world with their fighting spirit that they have displayed over the course of the tournament which has transcended the sport of rugby,” said the Presidency.
President Ramaphosa will before kickoff hold a pull aside bilateral meeting with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sat, 10/28/2023 - 08:57
Join us for an unforgettable rugby final this Saturday, right here at Maponya Mall! The Rugby World Cup final is here, and it’s going to be a battle of epic proportions as the mighty Springboks take on the formidable All Blacks. It’s a clash that will go down in history, and you won’t want to …
If Round 2 proves to be anything like Round 1, then the Vodacom URC is set to provide some right royal entertainment. The opening weekend of the league season produced an average of 62 points per match, with no fewer than 67 tries scored across the eight fixtures. Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld saw the highest tally …
Rugby World Cup fever mounts
South Africans across the country are gripped by the green and gold fever ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, which will pit South Africa’s Springboks against the All Blacks from New Zealand.
If the semi-final is anything to go by, the final game promises to be a nail-biting encounter that will keep every fan on the edge of their seat as the teams go head-to-head at 9pm sharp.
From schools, companies, and restaurants to social media posts, the Springbok jersey-wearing South Africans are counting down the hours to what will go down in history as one of the most memorable World Cup finals in Stade de France.
If South Africa wins, this will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles.
Even President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be cheering in the crowd as he will be travelling to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest to defend the Webb Ellis trophy.
“The President is really looking forward to being invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions,” said the President’s Office.
Meanwhile, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa on Friday joined the Springbok captain’s run to send well wishes to the Bokke.
“The Springboks are ready for the final. This is your team, fellow South Africans. Let’s get behind our pride and joy! Yivale maBhokobhoko,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to SA Rugby, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber predicts a powerful onslaught from the All Blacks and said they posed threats in every aspect of the game.
“Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always special and hard-fought, and with this being a World Cup final, the rivalry is expected to be more intense. They have an experienced squad with a physical pack and a backline that can create magic from nothing, so we’ll have to be at our best on attack and defence to get the result.”
For Springbok fans, SuperSport, the home of the Rugby World Cup 2023, will broadcast the final match live.
The South African game will be also shown on SABC.
And for those who prefer big screens and a bit of a crowd, provinces across South Africa are gearing up for the showdown and bringing on the heat to support the Bokke by having dedicated fan parks.
Some of these, of which most entrance is free, fans can also enjoy some live music in the build-up to the game.
Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation in Mpumalanga, said it has identified three sites for public viewing, one in each district of the province.
“These public viewing areas will be located in previously disadvantaged communities, which over the years have shown growing interest in the sport of rugby.”
Where to watch the Rugby World Cup across the country.
Eastern Cape
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (free entry, gates open at 7pm).
Sisa Dukashe Stadium (Mdantsane).
Police Park (East London).
Baby Swag (Zwelitsha).
Macelegusha.
Northern Cape
AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley (gates open at 4pm to enjoy some live musical entertainment in the build-up to the game).
Limpopo
Civic Centre Park in Polokwane (free entry).
Mpumalanga
Nkangala District (Siyabuswa Retail Centre, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality).
Gert Sibande District (Loft Lounge Corner Ennis and Oosthuise Street, Ermelo, Msukaligwa Local Municipality).
Ehlanzeni District (Praxos Butchery, Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality).
Gauteng
Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg (gates to open from 7pm). Fans can also expect to be entertained by Jozi FM DJs in the lead-up to the game.
Pretoria’s Loftus Park (gates open at 6pm). R 120 per person for general admission includes a free parking ticket and can be purchased electronically.
North West
Hoërskool Rustenburg (Bojanala) and Maseru Park (Mahikeng).
Free State
SaamTrek Fan Park – Phakisa Raceway.
Western Cape
Bree Street (between Church and Hout Street, Cape Town CBD). There will be soft road closures from Wale to Strand Street and Loop to Buitengracht, including all side roads leading to the venue.
Monwabisi Sport and Recreation Centre (Langa).
Westridge Civic Centre (Mitchells Plain).
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban ICC (gates swing open at 7pm). Fans can expect the big screen, refreshing drinks and delectable food, drink specials and secure and hassle-free parking facilities.
Pietermaritzburg’s Woodburn Rugby Stadium (gate to open at 3pm). Children below 12 years free and there will be food stalls live music and secured parking. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 15:28
Ospreys v Zebre Parma (13h00 UK & IRE / 14h00 SA & ITA, Saturday) Ospreys coach Toby Booth says matching the power presented by Zebre will be the big challenge at the Swansea.com Stadium. Booth was impressed by the way the Italians performed against Ulster last weekend, coming tantalisingly close to ending their 26-match losing …
The teams for Round 2 fixtures of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below. TEAM NEWS HEADLINES #OSPvZEB The Ospreys will be celebrating Justin Tipuric’s 200th appearance in this game, which he picked up against Connacht last week, and on the bench Nicky Smith …
Edinburgh Rugby welcomes the return of six internationalists to its matchday squad for tomorrow evening’s BKT United Rugby Championship home opener against Emirates Lions at Hive Stadium (Saturday 28 October, kick-off 5pm) – live on Viaplay. Blair Kinghorn (full-back), Grant Gilchrist (lock), Hamish Watson (openside flanker), Viliame Mata (number 8), Ewan Ashman (replacement hooker) and …
Kyle Rowe will make his competitive debut for Glasgow Warriors in Galway tomorrow afternoon, after the winger was named in the starting XV for this weekend’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht at The Sportsground. The Scotland international – a summer arrival from London Irish – is selected in a lineup showing four changes …
Dear Editor The DA wishes the Springboks success in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, France tomorrow. Despite a challenging tournament and attempts to derail their focus, they have shown true South African spirit, overcame adversity and are on the cusp of making history. Your journey has already made us proud. Coach Jacques Nienaber …
Tighthead prop Neethling Fouche will captain the DHL Stormers in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter with Scarlets in Stellenbosch. The former Maties front row forward will lead the DHL Stormers out at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday in the absence of regular captain Salmaan Moerat, who has been ruled out with a chest injury. …
In my last column, I called for Australia to play more aggressively. Three wins on the spin and successive scores of more than 350 later, it is safe to say they have done just that. They have shown more energy with bat and ball and when you do that, the fielding comes along for the …
For the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, they are the terrific 12. For the opposition, they’d be the terrifying 12. Whatever the description, those 12 Springboks who will play the All Blacks in Saturday’s World Cup final in Paris are 12 of the most awesome ambassadors of the Vodacom URC. These 12 emphasise the quality of …
World Rugby has launched T1 Rugby, the world’s first non-contact sport that fully reflects the unique characteristics of rugby, to supercharge participation and engagement by making the sport more relevant and accessible to young people. With the mantra of ‘a game for everyone, played by anyone’, T1 Rugby has an emphasis on fun, fitness and …
The DHL Stormers will be looking to build on their strong start to the third season of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship when they host Scarlets on Saturday – the only game in South Africa with the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls playing abroad. Returning to Stellenbosch for their round two clash against …
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‘The global value of grassroots rugby’ report, unveiled by World Rugby at its General Assembly in Paris on 26 October, finds that rugby participation contributes US$8.4 billion in value globally and leads to players feeling happier, healthier and more connected. Global rugby participation contributes US$8.4 billion in value to society and saves healthcare systems US$1.5 …
President to back the boys in Paris final
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be in the crowd when the Springboks take on New Zealand, known as the All Blacks, in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday evening.
The much-anticipated showpiece will be held at the Stade de France in Paris.
“The President will... travel to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest on Saturday, the 28th of October, to return the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis trophy. The President is really looking forward to be invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions.
“This will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles. The President wishes the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which we hope will be a memorable event for those who will be in the stadium as well as the global media audience that will be following the game,” Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Magwenya said President Ramaphosa’s presence in the European country will be “an opportunity for a brief bilateral interaction” with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The President will also take the opportunity to visit the squad at their hotel to deliver words of encouragement on behalf of the nation,” Magwenya said.
Meanwhile, speaking on the official Springboks website, captain Siya Kolisi said the team is aware of the importance of the match for the entire nation.
“It’s probably the biggest game of my life. I don’t think it will happen in our lifetimes again that we have another game like this, and we are excited. We know how good [the All Blacks] are.
“What we do on Saturday can control the mood of over 62 million South Africans. People have been sending messages saying when we play it is the only time they are happy, and as a team we represent all kinds of people,” Kolisi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:33
Dwayne Peel insists there is no need to press the panic button as his Scarlets head into another testing Vodacom URC assignment out in South Africa. Peel’s team conceded nine tries as they went down to a thumping 63-21 defeat at the hands of the Vodacom Bulls at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld last Sunday. It doesn’t …
Scottish Rugby is to award an additional 18 retrospective caps to honour players who wore the thistle in international competition. Earlier this year, the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board announced some 57 male players would be capped retrospectively. The players had represented Scotland in the Services and Victory internationals during and after the Second World …