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Let’s Face It Siya Kolisi Never Played Professional Rugby for Eastern Province/Southern Kings

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Citizens of Gqeberha are rather miffed that the Springboks Trophy Tour will not be passing through Gqeberha despite the fact that many of the players and officials on the team hail from this city.

SARU have taken away with one hand whilst pointing out with the other hand that 2024 will see another Springbok event, the details of which are being kept under wraps, take place in Gqeberha.

Mr. Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, highlighted that the tour’s purpose was to reach as many people as possible within the limited timeframe before the squad disperses. The five largest population centres in the country — Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Pretoria — have been given priority to provide the maximum number of people with the opportunity to welcome the team.

Furthermore, the significance of the Eastern Cape in the history, development, and future of black rugby was acknowledged, leading to a visit to Buffalo City on a non-working day to enable individuals from the region to be part of the celebration.

Regarding the choice of Buffalo City over Nelson Mandela Bay, Mr. Alexander noted that another significant Springbok event is planned for the metropole in 2024, although specific details are yet to be confirmed.

Mr. Alexander said: “The players’ club commitments necessitate their swift return or immediate rehabilitation after 21 weeks of intense competition since the Castle Lager Rugby Championship began.

“Satellite tours to other population centres in the Free State, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape, among other places, are in the planning stages, with scheduling contingent on players’ club commitments.

“While it was always challenging to visit every town and city due to time constraints, we are confident that our choices and ongoing planning will enable us to visit all major population centres in every province over time. With the Cup in our possession for another four years, there’s ample opportunity for that.”

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.