Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi Image Gallo

Wing Sbu Nkosi has been found. Image: Gallo Images.

Sbu Nkosi opens up, career hangs in the balance

It’s been confirmed that Sbu Nkosi is set to take an indefinite break from rugby, and his career now hangs in the balance.

Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi Image Gallo

Wing Sbu Nkosi has been found. Image: Gallo Images.

On Monday, there were increasing signs to suggest that Springboks wing Sbu Nkosi had been located after news emerged over the weekend that he had been missing for three weeks.

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The Bulls were ultimately able to confirm that the 26-year-old is “safe and sound”, having been tracked down at his father’s house in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga.

In an exclusive interview with Sport24, Nkosi has now opened up about the struggles he endured, and how mental health struggles as a result of rugby pressures led to his disappearance.

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Bulls Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone spent time with Nkosi “to understand how best the company can provide him with the support he needs, and what that support is”.

“It’s clear he wants a break from rugby and the Bulls will grant him that,” Rathbone told Sport24. “I told Sbu and his father that, wherever we can help him throughout this process, that’s the reason we went to Emalahleni.

“For me, it was just a relief to see him alive. I’m very heartsore to see him in this state where he’s not happy. Because we’ve had a good relationship, I want to make sure he gets on the right path again, even if it’s not at the Bulls.”

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Nkosi joined the Bulls from the Sharks earlier this year at a time when it seemed that he was battling with form and fitness, while also enduring struggles with some off-field issues.

Attempts to assist him in finding help for mental health issues also seemingly haven’t worked out as hoped, while it’s evident that his rugby career will now indefinitely be put on the backburner as he prioritises his overall wellbeing.

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“I was trying to turn a new leaf with my move to the Bulls and it’s been a bit tougher than I anticipated it to be. I just needed the break because it was getting too much,” said Nkosi.

“I felt I needed to get away from everything and everyone. I was worried about [people being concerned about me] but you can’t pour from an empty cup, so I needed to fill mine up.

“I have only good things to say about the franchise. The people there are very good people. It pains me that I couldn’t hold it down for longer. I would have loved to add more to the four games I played in the jersey.

“Those were proud moments for me. I’m sorry to the people who brought me over to make a difference. I’m sorry that they brought me when I was in this stage of my life.”

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The Bulls released the following statement about Nkosi on Monday afternoon:

The Blue Bulls Company and the Bulls family are happy to confirm that contracted player, Sbu Nkosi has been found safe and sound.

After lengthy and extensive efforts from the Vodacom Bulls, in collaboration with SSG – who have gone beyond their commercial responsibility – at 14:02pm on Monday 05 December 2022, Nkosi was located.

Once it was established that Nkosi was safe, unharmed and in a position to speak, Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone went into Nkosi’s home (with the permission of the player), spending alone time with him, to understand how best the company can provide him with the support he needs and what that support is.

As the Bulls family, we are thrilled that Nkosi is safe.

We wish to extend a vote of thanks to all the members of the public who shared information that contributed to our search. We wish to also express a word of thanks to the international community who also joined the call and efforts in searching for Nkosi.

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Sbu Nkosi Springboks
Springboks winger Sbu Nkosi. Image via Instagram @sbu_nkosi14.