Springbok coach Allister Coetzee and several of his squad members were involved in off-field activities in Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday as part of the build-up to next week’s test against Argentina.
Coetzee was joined by Beast Mtawarira, Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein and Curwin Bosch hoisted a giant flag at the Donkin Reserve in support of the SA Rugby 2023 Rugby World Cup Bid campaign.
“The bid flag will fly for a full week in the city, where the Boks’ opening fixture of the 2017 Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Argentina will be staged on 19 August,” a Saru statement said.
The Boks were accompanied by Councillor Andrew Whitfield, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality MMC for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture.
Meanwhile, several other players were involved in another event on the beachfront where they put their ‘artistic’ skills to the test.
“Springboks Oupa Mohoje, Elton Jantjies, Coenie Oosthuizen, Ross Cronje, Steven Kitshoff and Lizo Gqoboka demonstrated their drawing skills on Saturday morning when they skilfully completed a colourful #LoveRugby mural at one of the popular Port Elizabeth beachfront spots. “
“The Springboks decorated one side of the King’s Beach lifesaving club as part of SA Rugby’s ongoing #LoveRugby initiative,” the statement said.
The Boks are busy with preparations in the city for their opening match of the 2017 Castle Lager Rugby Championship against Argentina, to be staged next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
(Images: Gallo Images/SA Rugby)
