WATCH: Siya Kolisi joins support for Alfie
Social media
has been buzzing with rugby stars from across the world collectively showing
support for 12-year-old Alfie Pugsley.
Alfie was trolled on Facebook for being “too big” and “unhealthy” to play with the under-12s after his father posted a picture of him at a rugby match.
Since the post, which has been removed, countless rugby players and officials have joined in support of Alfie and offered words of encouragement for him to continue playing the sport.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi joined in on Twitter, telling Alfie he’s a true champion and to not waste time on the haters.
“I’m proud of you for being a true champion through your hard work and determination. Keep doing what you do and don’t let anyone tell you who you can’t be.
“Never make yourself small because of small-minded people. Dlala kwekwe kulate ngoku to waste time on haters.
Alfie, I’m proud of you for being a true champion through your hard work and determination. Keep doing what you do and don’t let anyone tell you who you can’t be. Never make yourself small because of small-minded people. Dlala kwekwe kulate ngoku to waste time on haters. https://t.co/hMY39nGpey pic.twitter.com/GLtGtTnR8V
— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi) January 26, 2022
Hey Alfie, rugby is an amazing sport and as long as you are having fun, that's all that matters
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) January 24, 2022
Wherever rugby takes you, enjoy every minute, keep working hard and know you have a lot of people supporting you all the way 💪
Big fella you have my support. I walked this road too once upon a time when people silently bullied me about my size and questioned whether I was the correct age for my age group. Keep your head high and never let the haters get to you. The game of rugby is for all 👊🏽😉. https://t.co/abipxJHLma
— Tendai Mtawarira (@Beast_TM) January 24, 2022
You’ve got plenty of fans down here in Aotearoa too, Alfie. Kia kaha, the #RugbyFamily has got your back. 🖤🤍 https://t.co/VM23WEZHWg
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) January 25, 2022
