This comes as the region was overlooked for the trophy tour which is currently taking place across South Africa.

Many in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West felt left out in celebrating the Springboks outstanding campaign in Japan which saw South Africa being crowned as the Rugby World Cup champions for the third time.

The feat saw South Africa equal the amount of World Cups won by the All Blacks, however, the men in green-and-gold are the only team to have lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in three different countries and on three different continents. South Africa won the World Cup at home in 1995, in France in 2007 and in Japan in 2019. By contrast, the All Blacks won the World Cup at home in New Zealand in 1987 and in 2011, and in England in 2015.

OFM has been driving a petition to bring the trophy to the Central Region, and earlier on Thursday, more than 10 000 Springbok fans had signed it.

Free State Rugby shared their frustration in bringing the World Cup to Central South Africa and hinted that there may be some good news for the people of the region.

“Free State Rugby experienced unprecedented unhappiness and disappointment from all over the central region this week about the news that the Springbok trophy tour will not be visiting the central region of South Africa.

“Free State Rugby shares the frustration and unhappiness of supporters, specifically due to the fact that the central region has not been included in the victory tour of the Springboks.

“Free State Rugby shares the feeling with Central South Africa that the Springboks should have included the region in the tour because of the support that the Springboks enjoy in this part of the country.

“The region produced a number of Springboks, coaches, referees, and administrators over the years and specifically in this World Cup (11 persons were involved - including coaches, players, and even the referee, Jaco Peyper).

“According to SARU, the decision was based on challenges relating to Regulation 9, which means that the Springbok players must return to their contracted entities, national and abroad, by Monday and that it was difficult to fit Central South Africa into the travel schedule.

“After discussions with SARU and after unbridled demand from rugby supporters, the general public and Government, SARU has indicated that they will possibly send the trophy and a number of players to the Central region at a later stage.”

Until it has been confirmed that the Webb Ellis Trophy will indeed make a turn in Central South Africa we urge fans to continue to sign the petition.

Click to sign the petition

@MorganPiek OFM Sport