#BokFriday hoping to unite South Africans ahead of momentous year

The aim is to deliver joy and hope to the country in another momentous Rugby World Cup year.

South Africans are being asked to dress in green and gold every Friday from this week to demonstrate their backing for the boys - starting with Saturday's Rugby Championship match against New Zealand in Auckland - and all the way to the defence of the Rugby World Cup title in France in September and October.

"We want to turn the country green and gold every Friday between now and the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup," said SA rugby President Mark Alexander.

"The team draws on the nation's energy and the best way we can demonstrate that support to the team is by wearing our Springbok colours every Friday.

"I am sure we're all eager to see the team succeed and offer them every support. As we can't join them on the field, let's power a nationwide movement by wearing green and gold on Friday, whether at work, at home or at play. I hope you will wear your colours with pride."

The national #BokFriday campaign invites individuals, celebrities, the media, schools, businesses, and communities across the country to embrace the power of unity and sport. Donning green and gold on Fridays serves as a symbol of support, inspiring the Springboks on their journey. It's a call to action, urging South Africans to rally together behind their national team and generate a wave of positive energy throughout the nation.

SA Rugby's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, said: "It'd be lekker to see the country come together, wearing green and gold with pride every Friday, and to show the players and the world how united we are as a nation. We'd love it if everyone could join the #BokFriday movement. We believe in bringing hope to the country and it'd be great if the country could give us extra inspiration and motivation. Please, just wear it!

Alexander added: "We come from different backgrounds and have different challenges, but we have more things in common that unites us as a nation. Sport has that power to unite us as a nation like nothing else can because we are stronger when we are together. So, let's spread the message far and wide, we encourage everyone to share their #BokFriday photos on social media using the official hashtag. By doing so, participants can inspire others, generate conversations, and demonstrate the unwavering support that exists for the Springboks within the hearts of the South African people."

In a time when the nation seeks good news and moments of unity, the #BokFriday campaign can power the Springboks' attempts to deliver a beacon of hope. It allows South Africans to express their unwavering support for the Springboks while fostering a sense of camaraderie and optimism that will resonate far beyond the rugby field.

For more information and updates on the #BokFriday campaign, please visit www.springboks.rugby.