Burglars break into headquarters in South Africa where Rugby World Cup trophy is held

South Africa’s rugby union headquarters, the current home to the World Cup trophy, have been targeted by burglars.

The incident took place in Cape Town at around 10pm local time when two men broke in to the building.

The Webb Ellis Cup, won by South Africa at the recent World Cup in France earlier this year, is one of several trophies held at the location.

CCTV footage posted to Twitter by local journalist Yusuf Abramjee shows two men enter the building before making off with several items including a bottle of whisky, five signed Springbok jerseys and eight laptops.

Burglary at SARU offices in Cape Town. Computers, Bok jerseys and other items stolen. If you can identify any of the suspects, call 08600 10111. @Springboks @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/CcLmsPNTKI
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 14, 2023

However none of the trophies were taken and a spokesman for the South Africa Rugby Union has now confirmed to the BBC that the World Cup trophy remains safe.

One of the burglars, who entered the business park in a white Toyota Corolla and have been described as “well dressed” grabbed a memorial trophy that was situated on the premises, but he put it back down before moving on to look for other items.

South Africa won their fourth Rugby World Cup by defeating New Zealand in the final held in Paris on October 28.

They are the only nation to have lifted the trophy four times following on from other victories in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

Police have appealed for information as they try to identify the men responsible for the break in.