The triumphant Springbok rugby team, fresh off their World Cup victory in France, is set to embark on a historic four-day Trophy Parade across South Africa, igniting a nationwide celebration of their remarkable achievement.
- SA Rugby’s announcement on Sunday sent waves of excitement throughout South Africa.
- This marks the start of an exhilarating journey that will bring the coveted Webb Ellis Cup closer to the hearts of rugby enthusiasts across the country.
- The tour is an opportunity for fans to see the trophy and Springboks before the team disperses for a well-deserved break.
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Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, emphasised the importance of reaching as many people as possible within the limited time-frame, making it clear that this tour is about sharing the glory with the entire nation.
The itinerary reflects this commitment, with the five largest population centers—Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto, and Pretoria—given priority to ensure maximum fan participation. The Eastern Cape, with its rich history and contribution to rugby, is also recognized, with a special visit planned to Buffalo City on a non-working day to allow the local community to join in the festivities.
The grand tour kicks off in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Soweto, culminating at the iconic FNB Stadium on 2 November 2023. Cape Town and Durban will experience the rugby fever on 3 – 4 November 2023, respectively, before the tour concludes in the rugby-significant Eastern Cape, specifically East London, on 5 November 2023.
The choice of locations is strategic, taking into account population size for the first three stops and the historical significance of the Eastern Cape in the fourth. The organizers have also assured that satellite tours to other rugby-loving cities like Bloemfontein and Nelson Mandela Bay will be scheduled for 2024, extending the celebration beyond the main tour.
While the festive atmosphere will undoubtedly bring joy to fans, the logistical intricacies of such an extensive tour have not been overlooked. Routes for each leg have been meticulously planned in collaboration with local authorities and the South African Police Service, ensuring a smooth and safe procession through the streets of each city.
Road closures are inevitable during the parade, and law enforcement will be out in force to monitor the procession and manage traffic. The routes have been thoughtfully selected, weaving through iconic streets and landmarks in each city.
In Pretoria, the parade will wind its way through streets such as Pretorius, Hamilton, and Francis Baard, with a grand finale at the Union Buildings—a fitting symbol of unity as the nation comes together to celebrate. The following routes in Pretoria are expected to be impacted by the Springboks Trophy Parade on 2 November 2023 from 9am until 11:30am:
- Southern Sun Hotel
- Pretorius Street
- Hamilton Street
- Leyds Street
- Francis Baard Street
- Stanza Bopape Street
- Union Buildings
- Nana Sita Street
- Madiba Street
- Lilian Ngoyi Street
- Tshwane House
- Burnett Street
- End Street
- Jan Shoba Street
- Beckett Street
- Gordon Road
- Hilda Street
- Park Street
- Kotze Street
- Jorissen Street
- Paul Kruger Street
- Thabo Sehume Street
Johannesburg’s CBD will witness the Springboks Trophy Parade along Jan Smuts Ave, crossing the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and concluding at FNB Simmonds Street. The following routes in Johannesburg CBD are expected to be impacted by the Springboks Trophy Parade from 2pm until 4:30pm:
- Jan Smuts Ave
- Nelson Mandela Bridge
- Metro Centre
- FNB Simmonds Street
- Commissioner Street
- Main Reef Road
- Nasrec Road
Soweto will host the parade along streets like Vilakazi and Kumalo Main Road, leading to the illustrious FNB Stadium:
- Ben Naude Street
- Immink Road
- Chris Hani Street
- Klipspruit Valley Road
- Kumalo Main Road
- Vilakazi Street
- Peta Street
- Klipfontein Road
- FNB Stadium
As the procession moves, road closures will be temporary, and the public is urged to follow traffic updates and exercise patience. The country is encouraged to celebrate responsibly, keeping the spirit of unity alive as they honour the champions of the rugby world.
As the Springboks Trophy Parade unfolds, the streets will echo with cheers, the air will be filled with jubilation, and the nation will stand united, celebrating not just a rugby victory but the spirit of South Africa itself.
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