Springboks spread the #LOVERUGBY

“Be yourselves and honestly enjoy.” Those were Springbok rugby coach, Allister Coetzee’s words to the Springbok players before they were sent out on an unusual journey to Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, to train.

From Cape Town International Airport, where the Boks had their first assembly with their new coach, they were challenged to make their own way to the academy, relying on the goodwill of the South African public.

A video documenting parts of the Bok players trip shows that many were keen to give them a lift and their generosity was rewarded with tickets to the rugby game that following Saturday.

However, the task was not so simple as making the trip from Cape Town to Stellenbosch, for the Boks had to do special tasks along the way. Divided into groups, the Boks found themselves at Mzoli’s in Guguletu where they had to serve customers or at a Virgin Active in Tyger Valley were they manned the front desk and even helped gym-goers with their workouts.

Watch the Springboks full experience here:

In their travels, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, told the crowd gathered at Khayelitsha Rugby Club what rugby means to them. “Rugby is about being yourself and showing your character, leaving everything on the field, being passionate and being a top sportsperson,” Mtawarira said.

The Boks all made it safely to the academy and were thankful to the South African citizens who showed them kindness. The experience revealed that SA is behind the Boks all the way.

Here is what Twitter had to say about the video:

LOVE this video. Great job, looked like a lot of fun to film!! #LoveRugby

— Josh Devine (@JoshDevineDrums) July 16, 2016

Such a great initiative! This must have been so fun.#LoveRugby https://t.co/4sWA5bJtvk

— Keiara Govender (@bykeiara_) July 16, 2016

Brilliant brand building & engagement. Well done @Springboks #LoveRugby https://t.co/w0hIZ1tbJC

— Ros Goldin (@RosG101) July 16, 2016