Hero's welcome? Here's when world champion Junior Springboks return home
The team is scheduled to touch down at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 10:35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 042 on Monday morning. And they are expected to be met with a hero's welcome.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander will join the players and coaches for a media conference at 11:15 in the airport's media room, celebrating the young team's undefeated campaign.
Coach Kevin Foote and several Junior Springboks players, including captain Riley Norton, are also scheduled for a brief stand-up media session at Cape Town International Airport following their arrival in the Mother City at 15:45.
The Junior Springboks' win in Rovigo, Italy, marks South Africa's third world title across rugby's major competitions, joining the senior Springboks and the Blitzboks as reigning global champions.
Their gritty, physical style and strong team unity earned them seven straight wins in the tournament, including two victories over New Zealand.
Speaking after his team's title triumph, Norton said the squad was still absorbing the scale of their achievement.
'It's overwhelming. We knew what we were capable of, but to bring the trophy back home means the world to us.'
Coach Foote added: 'These boys showed South African heart. It's not just a win for the team, it's a win for the future of our rugby.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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