Bok prop Nche caught off guard by Nkosi revelations

The recent revelations from Sbu Nkosi about his mental health issues following his disappearance came as "a shock" to fellow Springbok teammate Ox Nche.

Nkosi, who joined the Bulls from the Sharks in May, was located earlier this week at his father's house in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga after he went missing for three weeks.

After reporting the 26-year-old flyer's disappearance to the South African Police Service, the Bulls eventually found the player with the assistance of a security company, who are one of the team's sponsors, as well as tip-offs from the public.

Nche said Nkosi's situation highlighted the pressures which come with being an international sports star and for team-mates regularly check up on each other.

"Sbu is a smart guy. He works hard and he knows what he has to do," the Sharks front-row told reporters.

"And our jobs are not easy. Me and him, we have an understanding [as] colleagues and we get along off the field too. I think we are pretty good with each other.

"It came as a shock... I didn't expect it but that is the thing about mental health, you don't see it coming."

Nche admitted to being concerned about Nkosi's well-being while he was missing.

"It was definitely concerning for me," he said. "It's a wake-up call to keep checking on each other and seeing how things are."