Members of South Africa’s triumphant Rugby World Cup-winning squad arrived home on Tuesday, to be greeted by thousands of fans at Johannesburg’s international airport.
Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe, who scored the Springboks’ tries in Saturday’s final against England, were among the first group of players to land at OR Tambo Airport.
As he emerged into view in the arrivals hall, Mapimpi held his hands up and clasped them together as the crowd roared. Kolbe was recording the scenes on his cellphone.
Teammate Damien de Allende pumped his arms in the air in front of the fans wearing Springboks jerseys who packed the hall.
Captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus are expected to arrive with the Webb Ellis Cup later on Tuesday.
The Springboks won their third World Cup title by beating England 32-12 in Yokohama, Japan.