The Springboks were met by a warm welcome in Auckland, New Zealand, ahead of their Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in the coming weeks.
The South African squad – captained by Siya Kolisi – will play two away games against their biggest rugby rivals.
SPRINGBOKS TOUCH DOWN IN ALL BLACKS TERRITORY
In a clip posted on social media, the Springboks were seen arriving in Auckland, New Zealand.
But just as the All Blacks were welcomed in South Africa by die-hard supporters, so were the boys in green and gold.
Many of the supporters donned Springbok fan merchandise and South African flags, and players stopped to sign autographs and snap happy pictures.
In the comments, one rugby fan posted: “It doesn’t matter in which country you stay now. Once a South African, always a South African. Once a Springbok supporter, always a Springbok supporter”. Another added: “Auckland has some awesome Springbok supporters and my family and I are some of them”.
@springboks.rugby The #Springboks received a warm welcome in Auckland 👏 Thank you for everyone turning up so early in the morning to receive the boys 🇿🇦 #forevergreenforevergold ♬ original sound – Springboks.rugby
HOW MANY SOUTH AFRICANS LIVE IN NEW ZEALAND?
According to the 2023 New Zealand census, close to 100 000 South African-born permanent residents live in the country.
Expats and their families make up 1.52% of the country’s population, making South Africa the fifth largest source of immigrants in New Zealand behind the United Kingdom, China, India, and Australia.
New Zealand’s Immigration notes that a large percentage of Saffas are skilled labourers, with many being employed in healthcare, IT, engineering, insurance, finance, and construction.
Apart from New Zealand, South African expats are the biggest population group in the UK, Australia, and the US.
ARE YOU A SOUTH AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD WHO SUPPORTS THE SPRINGBOKS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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