President calls on South Africans to show support for RWC campaign

Aug 20 • General News, International, Rugby World Cup, Springboks • 1567 Views • Comments Off on President calls on South Africans to show support for RWC campaign

South Africans can show their support for the nation’s bid to win the Rugby World Cup by wearing green on Bok Fridays, said Mr Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) on Thursday.

Mr Hoskins reiterated the call to action with just four Fridays remaining before the Springboks open their campaign against Japan in Brighton, England on September 19.

“The time has come to rally behind the coach and team and show our support for the Springboks’ campaign to bring the Rugby World Cup back to South Africa,” said Mr Hoskins.

“There’s no more visible way of doing that than by pulling on your Bok jersey on Fridays to proudly show your support for the team’s hopes of making all South Africa proud.

“We want to turn green the factories, the shops and offices and malls of South Africa each week so that the boys know that the country has got their backs.”

Supporters can “have” the team’s back in the literal sense in a special World Cup initiative. SARU has created a website (www.HomeGroundAdvantage.co.za) where supporters can upload a “selfie” for inclusion in the playing number of one of the Boks’ jerseys at the tournament.

“When the Springboks take to the field, not only will they be carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation, but they will physically be carrying the images of everyday South African fans with them,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

The initiative captures the essence of the #HomeGroundAdvantage campaign. It reflects the sense that the South African passion for a winning Springbok team goes beyond the normal boundaries of sports participation to give the team the sense that, wherever they play in the world, they have a nation at their backs.

Mr Hoskins said that he believed that South African rugby fans with their passion for the team and their belief in their prospects would leap at the chance to be a visible part of the Rugby World Cup campaign.

“Heyneke Meyer and the team have my 100% support,” he said. “Now is the time for the country to join me in rallying behind them to signal our faith in the Springboks by wearing green on Fridays.”