By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Under 20 rugby team arrived back in South Africa this morning and were met by a large crowd, cheering praises at them at OR Tambo international airport.
The Junior Boks broke a 13 year drought, winning their World Rugby Under 20 Championship for the first time since 2012 after they beat six-time champions, New Zealand, in Italy on Saturday evening.
South Africa’s men now hold the world championship titles at senior and junior level as well as the sevens format.
SA rugby president Mark Alexander says the group is a solid unit and many of them have the potential to go onto higher honours.
“This is a very proud day for rugby in South Africa, and I would like to congratulate Kevin and the team on an outstanding performance in the tournament.”
Alexander goes on to say that their victory is a tribute to all the hard work done at high school level by educators and coaches, and at provincial unions from whom these players are drawn.
“Appointing a head coach in Kevin Foot, who has franchise experience, was also an important part of the progress this group have shown, and I would like to commend him, his backroom team, and the High-Performance Department at SA Rugby for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.”
Meanwhile Alexander paid tribute to former Springbok captain and flanker Desmond van Jaarsveldt, who passed away earlier on Monday at the age of 96.
Van Jaarsveldt was the oldest living Springbok. He played in one Test, when he captained South Africa against Scotland on 30 April 1960, scoring a try in the 18-10 victory at the erstwhile Boet Erasmus Stadium in Gqeberha.
Born on 31 March 1929 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Van Jaarsveldt played for the Springboks from Rhodesia, as the country was known at the time
Van Jaarsveldt, who made more than 60 provincial appearances for Rhodesia from 1947 to 1962 and captained them in the Currie Cup, remained involved in rugby after hanging up his boots as a coach and administrator, and he was also involved with the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA).
“Des will not only be remembered as the oldest living Springbok in the last number of years, but he was a leader with a deep love for the game who leaves behind a wonderful legacy,” said Alexander.
“He will not only be remembered for his achievements on the rugby field, but Des was also an accomplished boxer and athlete, and was devoted to assisting and giving back to sport in his native Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of the South African rugby family, I would like to honour his legacy as a former national captain and someone who ploughed back into our beloved game, and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones in this very sad and difficult time.”