WATCH: SA man becomes Springbok fan after 50 years of supporting All Blacks
After more than 50 years of supporting the All Blacks, Trevor Heinrich says his blood is now green.
Trevor Heinrich, a 68-year-old man from Claremont in Cape Town, recently left South Africans feeling emotional after he shared his powerful story of change.
Like many people of colour and Western Cape residents who fell victim to the apartheid government, Heinrich refused to support the Springboks. He supported any team that would go up against the national team.
His rugby team of choice was the All Blacks – the Sprinboks' biggest rivals.
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"There was a lot of bitterness, and if I had to coin a phrase, it would be justified bitterness," he said during a video that was shared on the Springboks' official social media pages.
"There was no feeling of patriotism during that time."
But after 50 years of supporting the All Blacks wholeheartedly, Heinrich revealed that his blood is indeed now green.
"120% behind South Africa. Never thought I'd wear a South African jersey in my life," he said.
Watch here:
Last year, while at the fan park during the Rugby World Cup, Heinrich was overcome with emotion when he saw South Africans from all walks of life and all persuasions coming together and putting their arms around each other while singing the national anthem.
"It was like a hammer blow to my chest, and I thought, 'What is wrong with you?’ Here is the new South Africa sitting in front of you."
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"Looking around, looking over that crowd and seeing the pride every time every time they announced the South African rugby team, the Springbok team, the joy on those people’s faces brought tears to my eyes."
"That is when I decided I need to be a South African again."
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IMAGE: Instagram/ Springboks