Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has kept his promise to fly both Malcolm Marx and Makazole Mapimpi to France after the two injured players were seen reuniting with the rest of the squad.

The duo rejoined the rest of the team, who are set to face New Zealand’s All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, 28 October.

 

The game will take place at the Stade de France.There were plenty of hugs, and smiles to go around when Malcolm Marx and Makazole Mapimpi returned to the Springboks camp in Paris.

Marx and Mapimpi – who sustained a knee and facial injury, respectively – were sent home earlier on in the competition.

But SA Rugby director Rassie Erasmus vowed to bring the players back to share in the celebrations if the Springboks made it to the Rugby World Cup finals.And wasn’t just the players who were emotional; rugby fans were also tearing up.

“Why am I crying?” commented one follower.

Take a look at the touching moment…While Malcolm Marx (29) revealed he is on par to make a swift recovery, it’s unclear if 33-year-old Mapimpi will play in the next World Cup.

Other older players likely to bow out before 2027 include Deon Fourie (36), Willie Le Roux (34), and Trevor Nyakane (34).

One Springbok who has hinted at retiring from playing is Duane Vermeulen, who is 37 years old.