Concerns are growing for a South African rugby player who has been reported missing by his club after they did not hear from him for three weeks.
United Rugby Championship side the Bulls say they have not had contact with Sbu Nkosi, 26, since November 11, despite efforts that “include but are not limited to phone calls, text messages, calls to relatives, partner and close friends as well as four house visits to his known place of residence”.
A missing-person case has been opened by local police following what the Bulls described as “the grave worry and concern of everyone at Loftus as well as the need for the expert assistance of the South African Police Services”.
A statement read: “The Blue Bulls Company can confirm that Vodacom Bulls contracted player, 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.
“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.”
Nkosi was sent home early from the Bulls recent tour in Ireland after breaking team protocols by missing a meeting following a visit to a friend in Dublin and did not feature in their 31-17 defeat to Munster on October 15.
His last game for the Bulls came against his former club the Sharks on October 30, during which he went off after 45 minutes with a rib injury.
Nkosi was named in South Africa's squad for their Autumn internationals, including against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, but was later ruled out as he stayed in Pretoria to have scans on the injury.
Speaking to IOL Sport on Saturday, Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said: "All I can say currently is that I really hope he is safe."
READ NEXT:
Pele 'moved to end-of-life care' as football icon stops responding to chemotherapy
Senegal manager a doubt for England clash after he misses training and press conference
Son Heung-min details the tears and hidden fire behind South Korea's World Cup surprise
Jockey slapped with 32-day ban after embarrassing mishap leaves punters fuming
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
