Injured Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, along with five other World Cup winners, were on hand to collect the prestigious World Team of the Year award at the annual Laureus Sport for Good Awards in Berlin last night. Kolisi was at his inspirational best.
Kolisi, who famously led the Springboks to their third Rugby World Cup title in Japan last year, was there along with Schalk Brits, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Francois Louw and new head coach, Jacques Nienaber.
To put things in perspective, the South African team beat out the likes of Liverpool Football Club, Spain's basketball team, Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 racing team, the USA Women's Soccer team and the Toronto Raptors.
Upon receiving the award, Kolisi mentioned the differences in the team, and how even the likes of himself, from an extremely humble background, can be inspired by sport and end up where he is today.
He also urged all sportsmen to keep doing what they're doing, as they have a responsibility greater than themselves.
“We are absolutely bursting with pride and would like to congratulate Rassie, Siya and the Springbok team, as well as the management for receiving this fantastic award,” said SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander.
“They were so heroic on the field and through their excellent off-field conduct, they were true examples of excellent South African ambassadors.
“Our country can be very proud of this team and what they have accomplished in such a short space of time. They made an amazing turn-around to establish the Springboks once more as a major force in world sport.
“On behalf of SA Rugby, I would like to congratulate the entire Springbok team and management on this fantastic accomplishment. We saw how powerful a successful Springbok team can be, uniting South Africans from all walks of life, and we are immensely proud of their achievements.”
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