Springboks Take On Ireland Today with #LoveRugby Emblazoned on Jerseys

The hashtag #LoveRugby will appear emblazoned on the back of the Springbok jersey in the first Test against Ireland in Cape Town, South Africa, today as SA Rugby (SARU) reclaims the “good story” they have to tell but which is not always heard.

The Springboks kick off at 17h00 against Ireland at DHL Newlands in a much anticipated clash as Ireland boasts a trio of South African players: CJ Stander, Richardt Strauss and Quinn Roux. Strauss is new Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss’ cousin.

The #LoveRugby message is part of the ongoing transformation of the game and will be displayed on the team bus; field markings; social media and in a television commercial.

“#LoveRugby is our story, South Africa’s story,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

He said “we are always reading and hearing other people’s thoughts about what South African rugby is” and sometimes those opinions are negative.

“Through this movement, we will bring to life rugby’s story and why people love this game.”

The #LoveRugby movement surfaced 14 days ago when the Springboks arrived at Cape Town International Airport.

Springbok players hitch hiked to Stellenbosch… to the delight of unsuspecting Capetonians

New Springbok coach Allister Coetzee marked the start of his changing of the guard by asking his players to hitch hike their way to camp in Stellenbosch by way of Cape Town locations.

The players – dressed in bright yellow #LoveRugby t-shirts – went to venues as diverse as the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum, a township restaurant, a city gym, rugby clubs and a brewery to engage with unsuspecting Capetonians before ‘thumbing’ their way to Stellenbosch.

“#LoveRugby is our message to South Africa,” said Coetzee. “We love rugby and we want South Africa to share that love. The players felt it on the first day at camp when they went into communities and stood by the roadside trying to beg a lift.

“They didn’t know what they were getting themselves into but instead of arriving drained and downbeat they were energised by the experience.”

Roux said: “We know we have a good story to tell but it’s not always heard.”

He said that SA Rugby had achieved a number of significant advances in recent months but that that message was not always heard.

“The selection of our Springbok, SA ‘A’ and Junior Bok squads point to the future,” said Roux. “Our Sevens team has an outstanding squad, we have signed new sponsors as well as the Proudly South African Pledge and engaged positively with key stakeholders.

“This really is a time to #LoveRugby.”

The match kicks off at 17h00 and will be televised live on SuperSport.

TODAY’S SPRINGBOK TEAM versus IRELAND