#VIDEO: Bok opens up about intense threats post-RWC quarterfinal win

04/05/2024 12:44

WATCH as Springbok Cobus Reinach shared his experiences with horrific online abuse following South Africa's win over France in the 2023 World Cup.

While the Springboks players received nothing but love and praise from their beloved country for their 29-28 win over France in the quarterfinal showdown, it was a devastating aftermath for the France-based scrumhalf Cobus Reinach.

Playing for Montpellier, Reinach's celebrations were quickly dampened with horrible threats directed towards him and his family.

In the latest episode of Fresh Startswith the hosts Johnni Beattie, Reinach recounted the ordeal

"After the game we saw a lot of people in the stands and the French people were fine," Reinach said, adding: "They were upset but fine.

"And then you get to your phone later that night and you just get a message that says 'When you go back to Montpellier, the gangs on the ground will kill you'

"That's okay, that's fine if people say it to me. It's not [okay], but I can handle it.

"But then, you go and take my boy's photo and put it up and say 'he must die too'. For me, that's out of line. You can say whatever you want to me but leave my family. They've done nothing.

"There is a line – and I think a lot of referees are talking about it now too – there is a line where, yeah you can have your opinion but sometimes it goes a little bit too far, when you bring children and family into it. It should stay out of the game I think."

The 32-cap Springbok, who moved to France from Northampton Saints in 2020, added that he didn't feel it was safe to let his family go back to Montpellier without him.

"I didn't want them to be scared alone. You never know who's out there. So they didn't go home, I kept them with me."

*For more watch the full episode of Fresh Starts on Rugbypass TV!!