SA Rugby is focussing a lot of effort on its #LoveRugby campaign, which requires the complete co-operation of the Springbok players to be truly effective. So often players can look awkward and reluctant when taken out of their comfort zone in the full glare of the public eye. But not in this most recent PR activation, where the current Bok squad embraced the initiative to get among the public, and were able to produce a truly heart-warming, amusing and entertaining video. They’ve shown that Springbok players, who are understandably put on a pedestal, are actually just a bunch of normal, fun-loving individuals who are happy to mingle with their adoring fans. – David O’Sullivan
From Sport24
Cape Town – Pat Lambie braaiing in a township, Willie le Roux in the back of a police van and Beast Mtawarira at Khayelitsha Rugby Club are just some of the moments from a #LoveRugby video that is taking social media by storm after it was released by SA Rugby over the weekend.
The video – available on the Springboks’ Facebook page and on YouTube – has clocked up more than 100 000 views across all platforms since it was released on Friday afternoon on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
The video was filmed on the morning of the Bok squad’s first assembly, with new coach Allister Coetzee setting them an unusual task at Cape Town International Airport. Unbeknown to the players, the team bus had been left in the garage and instead the players had to hitch-hike to their training base in Stellenbosch after completing some specific tasks in various communities.
Lambie, Bongi Mbonambi, Jesse Kriel and Lionel Mapoe were sent to Mzoli’s in Gugulethu, a popular eating place and tourist attraction in Cape Town, where they had to prepare and serve meals to the patrons.
Towering lock Eben Etzebeth, Warren Whiteley and Lwazi Mvovo were asked to report for porter duty at the Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel. To the delighted surprise of many, the Springboks also served guests who were attending a 50th birthday party at the hotel.
Siya Kolisi, Jaco Kriel and Jan Serfontein were instructed to report to the Virgin Active gymnasium in Tygervalley where they signed in club members at the front desk. Later, they also helped a few members with their workout routines.
Le Roux, Nic Groom and Scarra Ntubeni conducted a rugby coaching clinic at City Park in Athlone, one of the oldest community rugby fields in Cape Town before hitching a ride in a police car.
The video has caused a buzz since it was posted on the SA Rugby Facebook and Twitter platforms, attracting hundreds of positive comments.
The video even caught the attention of Josh Devine, drummer for famous band One Direction, who shared it on Twitter and said:“LOVE this video. Great job. Looked like a lot of fun to film!! #LoveRugby”.
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee said he was absolutely delighted by the public’s response to the video, which was part of the kick off to the #LoveRugby movement.
“I wanted to use the squad assembly to create something different for our get together, and I must say I am amazed at the overwhelming response from the players and the public,” explained the Bok coach.
“The players thoroughly enjoyed it and the warm, welcoming response from the public really made it a memorable occasion. It was a small gesture from our side, to take the players out of their normal routine and to let them connect to the South African public in an unusual way.”
“I want to ensure the core values of our team are aligned with that of typical South Africans.” – Sport24
Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/springboks-video-sets-social-media-abuzz-20160719
