Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, touched down in Cape Town on Tuesday 30 April, was he here for Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus’s honorary doctorate?
WAS SIYA KOLISI IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR RASSIE ERAMUS’S HONORARY DOCTORATE?
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi returned to South Africa on Tuesday 30 April, from his new home in Paris, France. At first, it was unclear why Siya had returned to South Africa, but could it be for Rassie Erasmus’s honorary doctorate? The Springboks coach was awarded an honorary doctorate from the North West University on Thursday 2 May.
Siya was present at the ceremony, where he showcased the Webb Ellis World Cup Trophy. Erasmus was awareded the degree Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa), in the discipline Coaching Science by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Take a look…
“Momentous day at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus as Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi proudly showcases the Webb Ellis World Cup Trophy in Lovers Lane, paving the path for Rassie Erasmus’ Honorary Doctorate inauguration,” read a post by North West University.
Erasmus previously expressed his pride at the receiving the award ahead of the capping ceremony, in March.
“I’m extremely honoured and humbled to recieve this recognition but I have to give all the credit to the Springbok team and management for their resilience and determination over the last few years who made this possible,” he said at the time.
SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA
Siya touched down at Cape Town International Airport just after 14:00 on Tuesday, 30 April, according to an Instagram Story. He was spotted taking photos with fans as soon as he hits the ground in the Instagram Story. Take a look…
Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi touches down in Cape Town. Image via Instagram @siyakolisi
Siya was also spotted in photos with media personality Mpho Popps. Take a look…
“Run up the numbers, and gather the facts – we’re the youngest up next, my team is the best 😇. What an honour ❤️🙏🏽 Thank you God,” read the caption.
While Siya was in South Africa, his wife Rachel had taught their kids to mow the lawn in Paris. Siya and Rachel have two kids together – Nicholas (9) and Keziah (6). The family of four moved to Paris ahead of Siya joining Paris-based rugby team Racing92 in 2023. This was after Siya led the Springboks to become double World Cup Champions after the South African national team defeated the All Blacks in October 2023.