The Springboks of South Africa triumphed over the New Zealand All Blacks 12 -11 to retain the Rugby World Cup title in a dramatic final at the Stade de France, in Paris on Saturday.
It is a record fourth Rugby World Cup title for the Springboks, who had won it in 1995, 2007, and 2019.
Having won their fourth title, South Africa is now outright the most successful team in Rugby World Cup history – a title they previously shared with New Zealand.
The Springboks had defeated the All Blacks in 1995 to win their first Rugby World Cup title, with a slim 15-12 extra-time win in Johannesburg.
Although Rugby is not as popular as football on the African continent, it is a favourite sport and has a huge following in South Africa.
“Never in a Rugby World Cup tournament has any team had to travel on such a difficult road as the @Springboks team of 2023, having beaten the top-ranking rugby teams in the world to reach this final.
“I spoke to the boys earlier today and informed them of the 62 million people back home joined by the entire African continent who are rooting for them and who will stand behind them throughout the final.
“The boys are determined and are fully driven by your support. We are bringing the cup home,” South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa had posted on his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) some hours before the Paris final.
The Springboks’ recent triumph has sparked massive celebrations across major cities in the Rainbow nation.
