Springbok captain Siya Kolisi found himself in the company of some of Hollywood and the entertainment industry’s biggest names, while his teammates explored baseball, famous landmarks and the streets of Baltimore during an eye-opening American adventure.
While the main focus was to win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks, something they achieved on Saturday with a 43-28 victory to seal the series 3-1, the Boks were also able to experience life in the US and interact with fans they would not normally see next to a rugby field.
Kolisi, thanks to his agency Roc Nation, travelled to New York after the final test for the premiere of the ‘Jaÿ-Z in 8’ docu-series set to debut on 18 September. There he found himself on the red carpet alongside some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including artist DJ Khaled and Oscar-winning actor and executive producer of the documentary Daniel Kaluuya.
It was a far cry from the intensity of the rugby field, but gave the Bok captain the opportunity to experience another side of American life and he could rub shoulders with some of the world’s biggest stars.
Before the match, several non-playing Boks and a couple of coaches, including Mzwandile Stick, took in another quintessentially American experience when they visited Orioles Park at Camden Yards to watch the Baltimore Orioles in action.
The group was even given the chance to throw the ceremonial first pitches ahead of the baseball game, adding another memorable moment.
In between their rugby commitments, the Boks also found time to be tourists, visiting the Washington Monument and exploring Baltimore on foot.
Wherever they went, whether in the hotel lobby or a Nando’s, they were met by plenty of Springboks supporters hoping to sneak in a selfie or picture with the world champions.
And the players were more than happy to oblige.
While they embraced the sights, sounds and experiences of the US, the world champions ultimately made sure their rugby did the talking.
They delivered a brilliant performance at the M&T Bank Stadium to seal a memorable series win.
– IOL Entertainment
