Concern at Loftus after Springbok and Bulls wing disappear
One of South African rugby's so-called "naughty boys" is apparently in trouble again, but this time his behaviour could have serious consequences, as the police's help had already been called in to provide assistance in the search for this player, who reportedly disappeared
There is great concern at Loftus Versfeld about the well-being of one of the Bulls’ new recruits, the Springbok star winger, Sbu Nkosi.
Neither the Bull’s management nor any other close relatives of Nkosi – including his mother and his girlfriend – have had any contact with him in the past two weeks. There are now fears for his safety and he has since been officially reported missing to the police.
Nkosi was selected for the Springboks’ tour to Europe at the end of October, but he suffered an injury in the Bulls’ last match before this tour, which prevented him from accompanying the national team.
He apparently did the first part of his rehabilitation with the Bulls and later even trained with his provincial teammates, until November 14. Since then, he has not been seen at Loftus again and no one has had any contact with him since he apparently is also not responding to calls and messages.
Nkosi is one of the most gifted wings in South Africa. For example, he boasts nine tries in his 16 tests so far. But unfortunately in the past he has built up a reputation as someone who struggles with his discipline off the field.
For example, he missed a Springbok tour a few years ago because he failed to have his passport renewed, after being warned to do so by SA Rugby beforehand.
Even after joining the Bulls “to get his career back on track,” he was again linked to a disciplinary problem. It happened during the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship tour to Europe earlier this year. Nkosi reportedly breached team protocol when he left the team’s hotel and failed to turn up for a team meeting. As punishment he could not continue with the tour and he was sent back to South Africa by the team management.
When it became known months ago that the Bulls were negotiating with the 26-year old Nkosi to exchange Durban for Pretoria, it was already mentioned in the corridors that he is personally not happy in Natal and that he wishes to be closer to his family, who live in the Lowveld in Mpumalanga.
Yesterday, the Bulls made it known through their CEO, Edgar Rathbone, that they are very concerned about Nkosi’s well-being. The Bulls’ director of rugby, Jake White, did not want to comment on the matter when he was asked about it during the team announcement on Friday afternoon. Notice was also given that later Saturday afternoon an official statement will be issued by the Bulls regarding the situation or any developments.
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