Springboks Welcomed by Expat Fans in Auckland Ahead of All Blacks Clash

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Undated

The Springboks received a warm welcome from South African expats in Auckland ahead of their Rugby Championship matches against the All Blacks. Captain Siya Kolisi led the team’s arrival in New Zealand where supporters gathered to greet them.

Social media footage showed fans in Springbok jerseys waving South African flags as players signed autographs and took photos. The reception mirrored the hospitality shown to the All Blacks during their visits to South Africa.

One supporter commented online: “It doesn’t matter in which country you stay now. Once a South African, always a South African. Once a Springbok supporter, always a Springbok supporter.”

Another posted: “Auckland has some awesome Springbok supporters and my family and I are some of them.”

The 2023 New Zealand census recorded nearly 100,000 South African-born residents, making them the country’s fifth-largest immigrant group at 1.52% of the population. (2023 New Zealand census)

According to New Zealand Immigration, many expats work in healthcare, IT, engineering, finance and construction sectors.

The Springboks will play two away fixtures against rugby rivals New Zealand in the Rugby Championship tournament.