Even though World Rugby does not pay out prize money to winners of the World Cup, SA Rugby Union (Saru) president Mark Alexander said the Springboks will get bonuses.
The bonuses were structured by the rugby federation after the 2019 World Cup tournament in Japan.
The Boks made history on Saturday by becoming the first country to lift the Web Ellis trophy four times after they defeated the All Blacks 12-11 in the heart-stopping final.
OR Tambo International Airport jam-packed
On their arrival back home on Tuesday, the Springboks were welcomed by hundreds of supporters who jam-packed the OR Tambo International Airport.
The airport was painted and blanketed in the bright colours of South Africa, and the atmosphere was captivating and exhilarating.
Young and old folk danced together as they waited for their heroes to draw near, and as the door opened, the fans went wild.
“There is no prize money from World Rugby – players play for the trophy,” said Alexander at a media briefing held at the airport.
“However, we have win bonuses that were planned for four years in advance – the players are taken care by that.”
Players are in for big bucks
A Saru insider who was at the airport explained that the bonuses have accumulated since the 2019 World Cup, saying they will be sugarcoated and the players are in for big bucks.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said: “You are comparing apples to bananas when you are comparing other national teams with the rugby team. We can see how organised and structured Saru is.
“The issue of the bonuses was not resolved on the doorstep of the tournament, we wish that other federations get the inspiration.
“It is that kind of leadership that is required, where you do not deal with those issues before tournaments, because it may affect the performance of players.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa declared December 15 a public holiday, that in itself is compensation, even though not monetary.”
