Springboks' World Cup trophy tour hits Nelson Mandela Bay this Saturday

Selected members of the RWC squad will take the Webb Ellis Cup on a trip through the city and adjacent areas.

SA Rugby aims to take the Webb Ellis Cup, lifted by the Boks after a nail-biting but triumphant RWC-campaign in France last year, around the country before it has to be returned to World Rugby in 2025.

"After last year's initial tour, we promised to visit other areas in South Africa and we're looking forward to starting in the Eastern Cape on Saturday," said Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby.

"Planning was complicated by player availability and an already packed rugby schedule, but we believe we have put together a plan that will ensure the Webb Ellis Cup goes as far and wide as possible while it's still in our possession.

"It's fitting that we will be kicking off in Nelson Mandela Bay this weekend, as that is the area that has produced our head coach and captain, Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi.

"For these legs of the tour, we will be utilizing a bakkie which will allow supporters to get even closer to their heroes and the coveted trophy they worked so hard to bring back to South Africa.

"With these stops, we will be aiming to drive through the main streets of cities and towns, visit townships and malls, and where possible, attend a match in the new SA Cup competition."

Starting at 09h00 on Saturday at the corner of the R75 and Johnson Road in Zwide township - the birthplace of Kolisi - the tour will move on to Gelvandale and the City Hall, then to Greenacres Mall before it will head towards Isaac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakhele for the SA Cup opening round match between Eastern Province and the Valke, which kicks off at 15h00.

ROUTE PLAN:

Zwide:

• Start: Cnr of R75 and Johnson RoadFrom Johnson Road, turn right into Gen Dundas Road, continue straight until it becomes Bertram Street
• Turn left into Kwatsha StreetTurn right Mthembo Street (Siya Kolisi Street)
• Turn left into Khonza Street
• Turn right into Javu Street
• Turn left into Spondo Street
• Turn right into Njoli Street
• Turn right into Tonjeni Street
• Turn right Struanway
• Turn left at traffic circle into Spondo Street towards the R75 passing Kenako Mall

Gelvandale:

• Start: Cnr Spondo Street to Uitenhage Road/R75
• Continue on Uitenhage Road/R75
• Turn right to join the N2
• Take exit 743 from the N2 to turn left into Disa Avenue/M12
• Turn left into Cape Road and continue until it becomes Russel Road
• Turn right into Govan Mbeki Street and continue until it becomes Baakens Street
• Turn left into North Union Street then turn left, turn right and turn left until City Hall on the left

Green Acres:

• Head northeast and turn right into N Union Street
• Turn left onto Fleming Street to get onto Settlers Highway/M4Stay on Settlers Highway
• Turn left into Mount Road
• Continue straight into Diaz RoadTurn left into Kingston Road
• Turn left into Granville RoadTurn left into Ring Road
• Turn Right into Green Acres Shopping Mall

Isaac Wolfson Stadium:

• Turn left onto Haven RoadTurn left into Novic Road
• Turn right into CJ Langenhoven Drive
• Continue into Kempston Road
• Turn left into Sheya Kulati Drive
• At the roundabout take the second exit to Mendi Road
• Continue into Ngesi Street
• Turn right onto Ntshekisa Street
• Continue straight to stay on Moduka RoadTurn left into Maqanda Street
• Turn left into Stofile StreetEnter Isaac Wolfson Stadium on the right

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