South African Rugby (SARU) offices in the Plattekloof area of the Western Cape were broken into late on Monday, with Springboks memorabilia, jerseys and laptops stolen
The Webb Ellis trophy replica is stored in the offices, and two criminals broke in and stole several items.
SA Rugby has verified the break-in through a representative, and all of the trophies—including the replicas of the William Webb Ellis Cup—remain secure.
SARU robbed
The spokeswoman, who talked to the Afrikaans newspaper Netwerk24, claimed that the burglars entered SARU House through the bottom floor, which is also used by other companies.
According to the spokesman, “two well-dressed men entered the office complex… they forced open a window on the ground floor of the building and entered.”
The representative went on to say, “All the trophies are safe,” but then acknowledged that a number of other items had been taken.
Eight computers, whiskey, and five autographed Springbok jerseys were stolen from the first firm. Sixty computers were seized from the other firm. They then drove off and exited the building,” he added.
Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee shared footage and images of the burglars on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
Two commercial burglary instances have been reported to Parrow police in the meantime.
Three weeks ago, the Springboks won their fourth Rugby World Cup after defeating New Zealand 12–11. The trophy is still with SARU, though, since it was hidden in an office safe that was not broken into.
The William Webb Ellis Cup was given to SARU House earlier this month by Bok captain Siya Kolisi, who also placed the replicas from 1995, 2007 and 2019 there.
The police appealed to anyone who had information on the robbery to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
