The Bulls have poured cold water on claims that missing Springboks winger Sbu Nkosi has been located.
Reports in South Africa on Monday stated that Nkosi had been located in Mpumalanga, but the franchise has labelled the story as ‘untrue’.
Nkosi missing without leave
Over the weekend, the Blue Bulls Co. announced that they had opened a missing person case as Nkosi was absent without leave for three weeks.
They said they had attempted “phone calls, texts messages, calls to relatives, partner and close friends as well as four house visits to his known place of residence”, and the lack of contact led to “grave worry and concern,” read a Bulls statement.
Sowetan Live reported on Monday morning that the Bulls were now aware of the whereabouts of Nkosi, stating that he was spotted in Mpumalanga, some 300km from Pretoria.
“Please note, the most recent stories in relation to [Sbu] Nkosi’s whereabouts are untrue. We have not located the player and have not issued any updates in relation to this,” a Bulls statement read in response to the story.
This is not the first time Nkosi has caused issues for the Bulls. While on tour in Ireland with the franchise in October, he sought permission to visit a friend in Dublin, only to return late, breaking team protocol. He was subsequently sent home early.
The reasoning behind his recent disappearance is still unknown. Since then, the Bulls and his family have been unable make contact with him.
“All I can say is that we hope Sbu is at least keeping safe despite his seclusion,” Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone told News24 on Saturday morning.
Injury issues
The 2019 Rugby World Cup winner joined the Bulls ahead of the 2022/23 season from the Sharks.
Since his arrival, he has struggled with injuries and has made just three appearances for the side.
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He missed the November internationals for South Africa after sustaining a rib injury, having initially been selected in the South Africa ‘A’ squad.
The Bulls make their Champions Cup debut this weekend when they host current Challenge Cup holders Lyon in Pretoria.