Nkosi's return: 'A great message for rugby'

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Sibusiso Nkosi's return during the Bulls' United Rugby Championship fixture against the Stormers is a testimony of how support can nullify the stigma around mental health in rugby.

Nkosi started on the left wing for the Bulls during Saturday’s North-South derby at the Loftus Versfeld in front of more than 40 000 spectators.

Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White's decision to hand Nkosi a start was met with loads of criticism after the wing went AWOL for three weeks in November.

The 27-year-old was eventually found at the residence of his father in Witbank (Emalahleni) after lengthy and extensive efforts from the Bulls, in collaboration with a security company.

Since then, Nkosi publicly admitted he struggled with his mental health and opted to drop off the radar.

He made his return to the field on Saturday.

The wing received a great reception and did not disappoint - displaying some great skills with his signature bumps and carries, while the star also scored a try.

Despite the Bulls suffering a 19-23 defeat, Nkosi's comeback was one of the highlights of the classic North versus South derby.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White had nothing but praise for Nkosi's courage.

"I get people asking me why am I playing him, but I mean you should not get punished because you going to through a difficult time and have to go sort yourself out," White said.

"He is a Springbok; he is a World Cup winner, and he wants to play rugby. He gets picked to play rugby.

"I compliment [Blue Bulls Company Chief Executive Officer] Edgar Rathbone and the way the franchise has handled it.

"I compliment the way Nkosi came back. He really needed to prove to the players that he wanted to play rugby because of what he has been going through.

"And as a dad of boys that are 31 and 27, I am proud of the guy."

White added: "It must be difficult for him, he has come back and hasn’t touched the rugby ball in a while and he played in front of over 40 000 people, so it is a great message for rugby.

"It is a great message for the Bulls too, a real feel-good story.

"And we have to make sure we help him consistently."

Nkosi is not the first high-profile player to reveal his struggles with the stigmatised issue.

Last year, Michael Hooper, the Wallabies’ most capped skipper, withdrew on the eve of August’s Test against Argentina in Mendoza, admitting he was not in the “right mindset” to lead his country.

*Photo credit: @BlueBullsRugby