The Vodacom Bulls breathed a sigh of relief after the news that their star Springbok winger S’bu Nkosi has been found safe and sound at his parents' home in Emahlahleni in Mpumalanga.
The Bulls initially said they had “grave concern” for his whereabouts after he went missing for three weeks, missing practices and team sessions and they were unable to locate him. The Blue Bulls Company then filed a missing person's report with the police.
Now, days later, and in conjunction with their associate sponsor SSG Security, the Bulls tracked down Nkosi and found him “safe, unharmed and in a position to speak.”
While no news has been forthcoming why he disappeared, the Bulls are set to reveal more information on Tuesday at a press conference.
“The Blue Bulls Company and the Vodacom Bulls family are happy to confirm that contracted player, Sbu Nkosi has been found safe and sound,” a team statement said.
“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 5 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.”
We are happy to confirm that Sbu Nkosi has been found safe and sound. The Vodacom Bulls, along with SSG, located Sbu and CEO, Edgar Rathbone, spoke with him in person.
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) December 5, 2022
Read more, here: https://t.co/lQh5hstdK4 pic.twitter.com/mW7Z6KlYfo
The Bulls were thankful their Springbok player was safe and sound.
“As the Vodacom 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.
“At this present moment, we cannot give further comments on the matter but wish to advise members of the media that there will be a press conference held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday. 6 December.”
Nkosi’s absence is seen as a serious breach and will need to be explained, especially given his history of disciplinary issues.
Nkosi missed the Springbok tour of Europe in 2021 after failing to renew his visa and was also missing for a week from his previous side, the Cell C Sharks without explanation.
Last month he was sent home from the Bulls’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour of Europe when he missed a team meeting while the side was in Ireland.
The Bulls accepted his explanation and put the issue behind them, but then he disappeared for three weeks, prompting the latest extensive search for the player.