South Africa’s World Cup winner Sbu Nkosi reported missing as his club release statement expressing ‘grave concern’

A SOUTH AFRICAN World Cup winner has been reported missing.

Sbu Nkosi, 26, last had contact with his club the Bulls on November 11.

The Pretoria-based team revealed they contacted the police six days later as their “grave concern”; grew.

The 2021-22 United Rugby Championship runners-up said in a statement: “Sbu Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks.

“Nkosi’s last known contact with any executive, management or playing squad member is Friday 11 November 2022.

“After numerous failed attempts, which include but are not limited to phone calls, texts messages, calls to relatives, partner and close friends as well as four house visits to his known place of residence, the company took the decision to open a missing person case with the Brooklyn Police Station (which was subsequently transferred to Sunnyside Police Station), in Pretoria on Thursday 17 November 2022.

“This resulted from the grave worry and concern of everyone at Loftus as well as the need for the expert assistance of the South African Police Services.

“We appreciate both the public and media interest in the matter, as we all share the same concerns about the player’s safety.

“However, we ask that you understand that we cannot make any further comments on the matter as it now sits with the South African Police Services.”;

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the police.

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said on IOL Sport: “All I can say currently is that I really hope he is safe.”;

Nkosi made his Springboks debut in 2018 and was part of the team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The winger grabbed one try on the way to winning South Africa’s third world crown.

He has played 16 times in total for the Bokke, going over for nine tries.

The rugby star transferred from the Sharks to the Bulls this year and was called up to his national team’s autumn internationals tour in Europe – culminating with the superb 27-13 win over England.

However, he suffered a rib injury on October 30 and was forced to withdraw from the squad.

Nkosi was sent home early from the Bulls’ recent tour in Ireland following a break in protocols as he missed a team meeting to see a friend in Dublin and did not feature against Munster on October 15.