The rugby world champions, the Springboks, began their four-day trophy parade in the capital city this morning.

Crowds gathered early in the streets of Arcadia, Hatfield, and around the Union Buildings to welcome their heroes.

The highlight for the hundreds gathering on the lawns of the Union Buildings was President Cyril Ramaphosa and Bok captain Siya Kolisi lifting the Webb Ellis Cup as the reigning, victorious, undefeated Rugby World Cup champions and national heroes.

Ramaphosa said at the Stade de France on Saturday night that the team strode off the pitch victorious and passed into legend.

“Never in the history of the Rugby World Cup has any team lifted the trophy on four occasions. Until now. In doing so you have lifted the spirits of an entire nation and filled us with pride,” said Ramaphosa.

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said it was an epic accomplishment.

“We can thank the president for coming to France to meet with the team beforehand. He understood the significance of the moment and inspired the team,” said Alexander.

He emphasised the words of Nelson Mandela that sport has the power to unite.

“These words have never been more true,” said Alexander.

Seeing the happy crowds enjoying the moment, the parade and the players, Kolisi was momentarily at a loss for words.

“Diversity was our strength as a team and I want to make a call on the president and his cabinet to take diversity a lot more into account. Everything I do now is focused on that,” said Kolisi.

The tour started in Pretoria and went on to Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium.

The team will go to Cape Town tomorrow, followed by Durban on Saturday, and the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday.