Bulls release official statement on missing Bok winger Sbu Nkosi

The Blue Bulls have confirmed reports that their star Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks.

Nkosi went silent shortly after it was confirmed he was going to miss the South Africa 'A' tour to Europe due to a rib injury sustained in the Bulls' URC clash with the Sharks.

According to the Pretoria outfit, Nkosi's last known contact with any executive, management or playing squad member was Friday 11 November 2022.

"After numerous failed attempts, which include but are not limited to phone calls, texts messages, calls to relatives, partner and close friends as well as four house visits to his known place of residence, the company took the decision to open a missing person case on Thursday 17 November 2022," the Bulls said.

"This resulted from the grave worry and concern of everyone at Loftus as well as the need for the expert assistance of the South African Police Services.

"We appreciate both the public and media interest in the matter, as we all share the same concerns about the player's safety. However, we ask that you understand that we cannot make any further comments on the matter as it now sits with the South African Police Services.

"Anyone with further information about the whereabouts or information that may assist the police in discharging their responsibility, please contact the Sunnyside Police Station on +27 12 422 3600 or contact Crime Stop on +27 8600 10111. You may also email [email protected] with any information that may assist."

The Bulls are still hoping the winger will resurface soon and has merely cut off contact.

"All I can say is that we hope Sbu is at least keeping safe despite his seclusion," Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone told News24.

"We've been attempting tirelessly to make contact with him, but these efforts have been in vain to date. Everybody is really concerned."

Nkosi has been plagued by injury and disciplinary issues over the last year, notably when he was sent home early from the Bulls URC tour in October for breaking team protocols by missing a meeting.

He also missed a Springbok training camp and a Test against Wales last year because he didn't renew his passport in time, despite repeated requests by SA Rugby to do so.