Free State Rugby have expressed their disappointment with the decision to not include the province in the Springboks’ World Cup victory parade.
The Springboks completed the first leg of their World Cup victory parade in Gauteng on Thursday. The team have flown to Durban, where they will be touring on Friday, before they move to the Eastern Cape on Saturday and Sunday and finish in Cape Town next Monday.
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However, the Boks will not be holding a parade through the Free State, a decision which has frustrated the rugby union.
According to a statement made by Free State Rugby president Jerry Segwaba, SA Rugby made the decision on the fact the Springboks had to return to their teams, both local and abroad, by Monday, meaning that there just was not enough time to include the central province in the schedule.
‘Free State Rugby experienced unprecedented unhappiness and disappointment from all over the central region this week about the news that the Springbok trophy tour will not be visiting the central region of South Africa,’ the statement read.
‘Free State Rugby shares the frustration and unhappiness of supporters, specifically due to the fact that the central region has not been included in the victory tour of the Springboks.
‘Free State Rugby shares the feeling with Central South-Africa that the Springboks should have included the region in the tour because of the support that the Springboks enjoy in this part of the country.
‘The region produced a number of Springboks, coaches, referees and administrators over the years and specifically in this World Cup (11 persons were involved – including coaches, players, and even the referee, Jaco Peyper).’
SA Rugby have indicated that they could send the Webb Ellis trophy and a few players to the Free State at a later stage.
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