Springboks
The Web Ellis trophy is finally coming to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
SA Rugby confirmed this in a statement issued on Wednesday that selected World Cup-winning players will tour the streets of Gqeberha on Saturday with the trophy under a new guise as the Trophy Blitz.
"After last year's initial tour, we promised to visit other areas in South Africa and we're looking forward to starting in the Eastern Cape on Saturday," said Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby.
“After last year’s initial tour, we promised to visit other areas in South Africa and we’re looking forward to starting in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.
“Planning was complicated by player availability and an already packed rugby schedule, but we believe we have put together a plan that will ensure the Webb Ellis Cup goes as far and wide as possible while it’s still in our possession," he said.
Alexander added that it was "fitting that we will be kicking off in Nelson Mandela Bay this weekend, as that is the area that has produced our head coach and captain, Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi."
“For these legs of the tour, we will be utilizing a bakkie which will allow supporters to get even closer to their heroes and the coveted trophy they worked so hard to bring back to South Africa.
“With these stops, we will be aiming to drive through the main streets of cities and towns, visit townships and malls, and where possible, attend a match in the new SA Cup competition.”
The tour will start at 09:00 on Saturday on the corner of the R75 and Johnson Road in Zwide before moving to Gelvandale and then City Hall.
Thereafter it will move to Greenacres Mall and before heading to the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele for the SA Cup opening round match between Eastern Province and the Valke, which kicks off at 15:00.
Nelson Mandela Bay, are you ready to welcome the Webb Ellis Cup on Saturday? More here: https://t.co/uMRqKAEGPx ???? pic.twitter.com/r4FmuTzAPK
— Springboks (@Springboks) March 20, 2024
