If you are looking at hosting clients at any domestic and international games in South Africa, don’t hesitate to contact Ward Events  and we can try and assist you with your request.

The South Africa national rugby union team, commonly known as the Springboks, is governed by the South African Rugby Union. The Springboks play in green and gold jerseys with white shorts, and their emblems are the Springbok and the King Protea. The team has been representing South Africa in international rugby union since 30 July 1891, when they played their first test match against a British Isles touring team.

Although South Africa was instrumental in the creation of the Rugby World Cup competition, the Springboks did not compete in the first two World Cups in 1987 and 1991 because of anti-apartheid sporting boycotts of South Africa. The team made its World Cup debut in 1995 when the newly democratic South Africa hosted the tournament. The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 15–12 in the final, which is now remembered as one of the greatest moments in South Africa’s sporting history, and a watershed moment in the post-Apartheid nation-building process. South Africa regained their title as champions 12 years later, when they defeated England 15–6 in the 2007 final. As a result of the 2007 World Cup tournament the Springboks were promoted to first place in the IRB World Rankings, a position they held until July the following year when New Zealand regained the top spot. They were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards.

The Springboks then made history when they beat England in the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan despite losing a pool stage match. The win was achieved under the leadership of captain Siya Kolisi and the coaching of Rassie Erasmus, whose game plan ultimately outsmarted the tactics of England coach Eddie Jones. This win, like the Springboks win in 1995, brought hope and unity to our nation and was an important victory for all of South Africa.

The Springboks are tied with the New Zealand All Blacks for tournament wins at the Rugby World Cup – both teams having won 3 times – although they have participated in less tournaments. In addition to this, they are the only rugby team to have won every World Cup final they have played in.

The Springboks also compete in the annual Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri-Nations), along with southern-hemisphere counterparts Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. They have won this championship on three occasions in sixteen years. They also play Test matches against the various rugby-playing nations. Their position in the World Rugby Rankings has varied between the No. 1 and No. 7 positions.

SA Rugby Website

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