Victorious Springboks Celebrate Trophy Tour Finale in East London

The festive atmosphere enveloped East London on Sunday as thousands of rugby enthusiasts flocked to the streets to celebrate the triumphant Springboks following their victorious World Cup campaign. This marked the conclusion of their four-day trophy tour in the Eastern Cape.

The Springboks descended on Buffalo City Saturday night, exactly a week after clinching the Webb Ellis trophy for the fourth time at the Stade de France, courtesy of a hairline victory over New Zealand.

Lukhanyo Am, a celebrated local from the Eastern Cape, reveled in the jubilation, emphasizing the "special" sentiment to witness the elation of the people. He expressed understanding of what it means for fans, and highlighted the necessity of maintaining fitness, not only for the World Cup triumph but also for the upcoming United Rugby Championships for the Sharks. A nostalgic Am reminisced his days with the Border team, calling them one of the best periods of his rugby career and expressing joy being back in his hometown.

Jayden Hendricks, a scrumhalf, expressed his exhilaration ahead of the trophy tour. A native of Breidbach situated outskirts of eQonce (KWT), Hendricks was delighted to be back home and meet supporters. In an uplifting message to the youth, he encouraged them to dream and work hard, recounting his own journey from watching the Springboks lift the trophy in Japan to being a part of the winning team four years later.