On Thursday, November 2, in Pretoria, the Springboks will begin their Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour; however, at least ONE player from the team will not be present for the procession.
Lock Marvin Orie has decided to rejoin his new French team Perpignan, who are presently languishing in last place in the Top 14, according to the SA Rugby Facebook page.
Orie took the undoubtedly tough choice to help his club end their current losing streak in Perpignan by flying back to Perpignan as soon as possible, rather than celebrating the Springboks’ victory in South Africa.
This season, Perpignan has lost all four of its games.
They’ll play their next game on Saturday, November 4 at 18:00 (SA time), at home against Toulon, who are currently ranked seventh.
Orie was only involved in the Springboks’ pool matches against Romania and Tonga, which limited his impact on the team’s fourth Rugby World Cup victory.
35 players in all made appearances for the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup of 2023.
It’s unclear if the remaining 34 people will board the bus.
WATCH: When the Springboks arrive, the crowd erupts
On Tuesday, the Springboks arrived in style at a crowded OR Tambo airport. Watch the video of Siya Kolisi entering the building.
The Springboks are receiving a heroes welcome. Photo: X/@runner_bae
Thousands of fans gathered at the OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on Tuesday to welcome Siya Kolisi and the Springboks after their Rugby World Cup triumph.
The Springboks received a warm welcome at OR Tambo Airport on Tuesday morning.
WATCH: MOMENT SIYA KOLISI ARRIVES WITH THE CUP
Following the Springboks’ incredible Rugby World Cup campaign, which resulted in an unprecedented fourth Webb Ellis title, a lot was said. But see what Eben Etzebeth said to his teammates following their triumph.
In order to keep the Webb Ellis Cup and their title as world champions, the Springboks overcame France 29-28 in the quarterfinals, England 16-15 in the semifinals, and the All Blacks 12-11 in the championship match, capping one of the greatest playoff runs in Rugby World Cup history.
Millions of fans of the Springboks were moved by each of their thrilling one-point wins in the three playoff games, and videos of South Africans celebrating their victories went viral on social media.
A HOT TAKE FROM EBEN ETZEBETH ON SPRINGBOKS
Eben Etzebeth was given the chance to speak to the team in the locker room following the championship match. He is one of the captains of the Bok team and one of the 23 players who have gone on to win consecutive RWC winners medals.
“We seized the opportunity despite the odds,” he remarked. “It’s unique, you guys.”
“You will always be remembered as the best rugby team in rugby history,” Eben Etzebeth declared.
