East London Comes Alive as the Boks End Off the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour in EC
South Africans welcomed the return of their very own 4-time Rugby World Cup champions in an eruption of excitement to receive the Springboks and trophy back on South African soil as they touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday 31 October 2023 ahead of the trophy tour.
The 4-day tour kicked off in Gauteng, just two days after the Boks’ return, making its way to the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and making its final stop in the Eastern Cape, in East London.
Crowds gathered at East London’s King Palo Airport to catch a glimpse of the Springboks as they landed on Saturday evening in preparation for the Eastern Cape leg of the trophy tour on Sunday, 5 November.
The tour route circled the city, starting from Garden Court, making its way through Amalinda main road, through Mdantsane, back to the town’s CBD, and ending off at the East London City Hall where fans had the opportunity to have their items autographed and take pictures with their favourite players.
The Eastern Cape is home to some of the best rugby players represented in the Springboks team; Captain, Siyamthanda Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi, Jaden Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am and Manie Libbok, as well as coaching and technical staff in the national team with the likes of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, Charles Wessels and Lindsay Weyer flying the Eastern Cape flag high, attributing to the city’s high spirits and immense pride at the Boks’ win.
Menu