WATCH: Springboks’ Rugby World Cup hero Ox Nche receives heartwarming homecoming
Springboks prop Ox Nche of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa prop Ox Nche has received a hero’s welcome after returning to his home town.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a stunning Rugby World Cup where he was comfortably the best scrummaging loosehead in the tournament.
Nche’s efforts were particularly crucial in the semi-final as the Springboks overturned a 15-6 deficit to defeat England 16-15 in atrocious conditions.
He also came on in the World Cup final as Jacques Nienanber’s men held off a superb second-half display from the All Blacks to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Honour of the Nation
Originally from Mokwena in Thaba Nchu, which is not far from Bloemfontein, Nche received a huge reception as they held a ceremony in honour of the prop.
Nche was given the Tlotlo ya Morafe wa Barolong-Boo-Seleka, which is the Honour of the Nation.
It is “granted to esteemed individuals who stand out for their exceptional achievements in their field and have served the nation and the interests of our country to the best of their abilities.
“This honour will serve as a beacon of hope to inspire hard work and commitment for all of us to aspire to our highest ideals as the nation of Barolong-Boo-Seleka.”
A heroic welcome for Ox Nche at his hometown, Thaba Nchu. #sabcnews #sabcFS #OXNCHE pic.twitter.com/azyvNo6IDk
— Masiteng Makgala (@masitengmakgala) November 15, 2023
A big crowd came to greet the prop, who went round on an open top bus which was specially designed for the loosehead, with a picture of him painted on the side of the vehicle.
Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka wa Barolong-boo-Boseleka in Thaba Nchu will bestow Tlotlo ya Morafe wa Barolong-boo-Boseleka – honour of the Nation to Retshegofaditswe Ox Nche. This is the highest honour to be granted by Kgosi of Barolong-boo-Seleka. #sabcnews #sabcFS #OXNCHE pic.twitter.com/UqkEmpfh7L
— Masiteng Makgala (@masitengmakgala) November 15, 2023
Nche also decided to show off a few of his dance moves as he went past his adoring supporters.
The Chairman having the time of his life on the bus !
The community of Thaba Nchu have been spectacular! #OxHomecoming #OxKraal #Borolong #OxNche pic.twitter.com/sMiSxZ2RP9
— Oxkraal (@oxkraal) November 15, 2023
Legacy
The Sharks front-rower elevated his game at the global tournament in France, arguably becoming the premier loosehead in the sport.
He dominated at the set-piece and, alongside match-winner Handre Pollard, played a significant role in keeping their World Cup dreams alive during a titanic semi-final.
Nche got the better of Dan Cole and then Kyle Sinckler to lay the platform for both RG Snyman’s try and Pollard’s penalty in that last-four contest against England.
The 28-year-old missed out on the 2019 World Cup triumph, but he shone in France and could well make the next tournament in Australia.
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