South Africa rugby offices burgled as World Cup trophy touched but left behind
Numerous laptops and autographed jerseys were taken by the burglars.
The Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy was touched by burglars who broke into South Africa’s headquarters, but the silverware was left behind.
During the Monday break-in, several laptops, signed South Africa jerseys, and whisky were taken by the thieves.
Nevertheless, neither the original William Webb Ellis Cup nor any other awards in the Cape Town offices were removed.
When South Africa defeated New Zealand 12–11 in Paris last month, they became the first team to win the men’s World Cup four times.
After that, the Springboks made their way back to South Africa for a four-day trophy tour, where they celebrated their victory with national parades. With the victory in France, Siya Kolisi—who previously led the Springboks to the 2019 World Cup title in Japan—became the second man to lift the World Cup twice. In 2011 and 2015, New Zealand’s Richie McCaw won the Webb Ellis Cup.
South Africa defeated the host nation, France, 29–28, and then upset England 16–15 in the semifinals, winning all three of their knockout games by a single point.
Springboks Memorabilia Stolen As South African Rugby Offices Burglarised
The regrettable event that occurred on Monday was a break-in at the South African Rugby (SARU) offices located in Plattekloof, Western Cape. Rugby fans were outraged when the robbers stole laptops, signed jerseys, and Springboks memorabilia.
Two smartly dressed robbers carried out the audacious break-in, entering SARU House through the ground floor, which is shared by a number of businesses. One room that was specifically targeted was the one that held the Webb Ellis trophy replica, which is a symbol of rugby excellence.
A SA Rugby spokesman claims that after breaking into the building with force, the burglars concentrated on taking valuables from two different businesses in the complex. They took eight laptops, whisky, and five signed Springbok jerseys from the first company. It was the second company that lost sixty laptops. The thieves fled the scene and left the premises after stealing.
Thankfully, the representative affirmed that every trophy—including the replicas of the Webb Ellis Cup—is safe. The original William Webb Ellis Cup was kept safe in an office safe that was unopened during the break-in, along with copies from 1995, 2007, and 2019.
Due to Yusuf Abramjee, an anti-crime activist, posting video and pictures of the burglars, the incident has received attention on social media. In the meantime, the Parrow police have reported two instances of commercial burglary, stepping up their efforts to apprehend those responsible.
![WATCH] Thieves ransack SA Rugby offices. Webb Ellis replica trophy safe](https://cdn.primedia.co.za/primedia-broadcasting/image/upload/c_fill,h_289,w_463/qascaahdyzdo5nz0aab1?mrf-size=m)
It is noteworthy that SARU moved quickly to reassure the public about the security of the trophies. The theft occurred only a few weeks after the Springboks defeated New Zealand 12–11 in Paris to win their fourth Rugby World Cup. Even with the disturbance the break-in caused, SARU still has the Webb Ellis trophy, which is safely stored in the office safe.
The burglary acts as a reminder of the difficulties organizations have in safeguarding priceless sports memorabilia. While the rugby community awaits additional findings from the investigation, SARU remains dedicated to preserving the security of these priceless markers of rugby accomplishment.
