Retshegofaditswe “Ox” Nché’s contributions, widely regarded as one of the most important parts of the Springbok team that won the World Cup in France, are now formally commemorated in his birthplace.

Nché, who is from the little hamlet of Mokwena in Thaba Nchu, was welcomed back as a hero and given an honorable ceremony by the locals today.

Nché, a member of the renowned Springbok “bomb squad,” is quickly rising to stardom following his game-changing effort against England in the RWC semifinal. He just joined hooker Bongi Mbonambi in obtaining brand-new Mitsubishis that are sponsored. An upgraded Triton Xtreme served as his prize.

“We at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa are extremely thrilled to have such a strong player in the family and behind the wheel of a car that we think perfectly complements his demeanor,” the company stated.

After traveling for around 60 minutes from Bloemfontein, he received the first Tlotlo ya Morafe wa Barolong-Boo-Seleka – Honour of the Nation – from queen Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka today.

Highest honor bestowed for “distinguished individuals who stand out for their exceptional achievements in their field and have served the nation and the interests of our country to the best of their abilities,” it is the Barolong-Boo-Seleka national motto.

“This honor will act as a ray of hope, encouraging hard work and dedication so that we can all strive toward our greatest goals as the people of Barolong-Boo-Seleka.”

There was also a unique bus setup with the picture of the new local hero Nché, following the conclusion of a massive Springboks trophy tour that drew thousands of spectators from all across the nation.

READ ALSO:

Springboks, All Blacks dominate Rugby World magazine’s World Cup XV

Together with the host country, France, Rugby World magazine has selected the team of the Rugby World Cup, which is dominated by the finals from last month—South Africa and New Zealand. Twelve of the slots are occupied by these three nations; the final three are occupied by Wales, Tonga, and Ireland.

The only member of the Springboks’ 2023 World Rugby dream squad was Ebene Etzebeth. However, Rugby World magazine limited their selection process to the players’ exploits at the World Cup in France, which led to the inclusion of five South Africans.

Loosehead Ox Nche, second rows Etzebeth and Franco Mostert, and World Cup final player of the match Pieter-Steph du Toit were among the four choices in the pack. The only one of their backs to receive notice was Winger Cheslin Kolbe.

The second place With three selections—out-half Richie Mo’unga, center Jordie Barrett, and winger Will Jordan—the All Blacks controlled the backline. Ardie Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, was picked forward at No. 8.

Three players were selected for France: Thomas Ramos, the full-back, Antoine Dupont, the scrum-half, and hooker Peato Mauvaka. The line-up was completed by Welsh openside Jac Morgan, Tongan tighthead Ben Tameifuna, and Irish center Bundee Aki.

Test-level rookie Morgan was selected the captain of the tournament’s team, and Patrice Lagisquet of Portugal was named coach.

“Richie Mo’unga’s triple threat boosts any side and his form over the entire tournament edges out Handre Pollard, who didn’t miss a kick for the Boks,” Rugby World said in reference to its half-back lineup of Mo’unga and Dupont.

“Antoine Dupont completes the half-back pairing with his ability to recover from a fractured cheekbone and still hit the heights that others simply cannot.”

Rugby World continued, advancing to the front row, saying, “At loosehead is bomb squad extraordinaire Ox Nche.” Saying that South Africa would not have triumphed over France and England without his scrum domination is not hyperbole.

Rugby World Team of the Tournament:

15. Thomas Ramos (France); 14. Will Jordan (New Zealand); 13. Bundee Aki (Ireland) are the members of the Rugby World Team of the Tournament. 12. New Zealander Jordie Barrett 1. Ox Nche (South Africa), 2. Petto Mauvaka (France), 3. Ben Tameifuna, 11. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa); 10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand), 9. Antoine Dupont (France), 4. South African born Eben Etzebeth 6. Franco Mostert (South Africa), 7. Jac Morgan (Captain of Wales), 8. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) (New Zealand). Coach: Portuguese Patrice Lagisquet.