Concern has been raised for the welfare of South African Rugby World Cup winner Sbu Nkosi who has not been seen for over three weeks.
The rugby union star failed to turn up for training with his domestic side the Bulls on November 11 and after unsuccessful efforts to contact him police opened a missing person case six days later. The 26-year-old was part of the South Africa 2019 winning Rugby World Cup squad.
Nkosi joined the Bulls from the Sharks earlier this year. His team have released a statement expressing their 'grave worry' for the star's safety.
"The Blue Bulls Company can confirm that Vodacom Bulls contracted player, Sbu Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks," the Bulls' statement said. "Nkosi’s last known contact with any executive, management or playing squad member is November 11.
"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 in Pretoria on November 17.
"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."
Nkosi was sent home early from the Bulls' recent tour in Ireland after 'breaking team protocols' following a visit to a friend in Dublin and did not feature in their 31-17 defeat to Munster on October 15. Nkosi has 16 Test caps for South Africa.
His last game for the Bulls came against his former club the Sharks on October 30, during which sustained a rib injury. Nkosi was named in South Africa's squad for their Autumn internationals but was later ruled out as he stayed in Pretoria to have scans on the injury.
"We appreciate both the public and media interest in the matter, as we all share the same concerns about the player’s safety," the Bulls' statement added. "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."
Anybody with further information about Nkosi's whereabouts is urged to contact police.
