OR Tambo International in Johannesburg was more like a scene at a music festival than an airport on Tuesday, as thousands of fans bristled with excitement to welcome home the Rugby World Cup champions Springboks.
The Springboks were only due to come through around 10am, after landing shortly before - but already fans had gathered in huge numbers in anticipation of catching a glimpse of their rugby heroes.
Members of the SA Police Service were also in attendance to oversee proceedings.
A giant South Africa flag was hung in the main arrival hall, while the crowd was cheering and blowing vuvuzelas below. Music was also blaring in the normally orderly international arrivals terminal even with a live band joining in, as fans covered the entire area like they would in a packed stadium.
Springbok fans have gathered in huge numbers at OR Tambo to welcome home the victorious South Africa team after their victory in the Rugby World Cup final.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) October 31, 2023
Here we have the scene as you enter the airport.#RWCFinal #RWC2023
📽️: @FreemanZAR pic.twitter.com/7AagcOCNV6
Springbok flags everywhere
South African flags could be seen waving all across the crowd, as well as a sea of Springbok supporter jerseys. Fans were also fenced off to allow the Springbok team easy passage in the arrivals hall.
The Springboks won the Rugby World Cup title on Saturday, beating the All Blacks 12-11 in the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Springbok fans have gathered in huge numbers at OR Tambo to welcome home the victorious South Africa team after their victory in the Rugby World Cup final.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) October 31, 2023
Another view from above. A band has begun playing.#RWCFinal #RWC2023
📽️: @FreemanZAR pic.twitter.com/FQEKSJ1uOd
Shortly before the Springboks came through, the DJ played the song ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries, with the chorus line muted to say “Rassie, Rassie, what’s in your head.’
“He’s in your head! In your head!!! RASSIE RASSIE RASSIE!!!”
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) October 31, 2023
🎥 @FreemanZAR #Springboks #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/TrCRCf0RSm
It was the second title in a row for the Siya Kolisi-led Springboks, as they defended the title they won in Japan in 2019.
It was also the second title for Rassie Erasmus, who was the coach in 2019 and now is the SA Director of Rugby. Current coach Jacques Nienaber worked closely with Erasmus as the pair plotted their way to the the title.
Springbok fans have gathered in huge numbers at OR Tambo to welcome home the victorious South Africa team after their victory in the Rugby World Cup final.
— IOL Sport (@IOLsport) October 31, 2023
Fans have been fenced off to allow the Springboks easy passage.#RWCFinal #RWC2023
📽️ @FreemanZAR pic.twitter.com/70WXmCeN4U