The 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship ignited in Gqeberha this week, blending local heritage with high-octane international rugby. Before a ball was even kicked, the tone for the tournament was set by a surprise appearance from Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Returning to his roots in the Eastern Cape, the double World Cup winner personally presented match jerseys to the squad, sharing a powerful message about the journey from the Zwide township to the pinnacle of world rugby.

At a recent Springboks Test match, swathes of empty blue seats were visible at Loftus Versfeld Stadium despite the national team’s...