Nails adorned in green and gold, specially made supporter dresses, full-on Bok onesies, baby body vests and dog jerseys.
That’s how Springbok fans plan to prop up the national squad as they defend the Rugby World Cup title in France.
Nail artists such as Chantelle van Zyl, who runs Nail Republic Ladybrand in the Free State, are seeing a demand for Bok-themed nail art.
“My clients come in with amazing designs and ideas and some leave me to use my own creativity. Up to now, I have had so many clients who say they want to do 'Bokke nails', so it is most definitely a huge trend.
“I did a Bok-inspired set of nails when South Africa played Argentina recently. My client came in dressed in green, wearing green glitter on her eyes, and asked that I incorporate green and gold into a French design, as she will be supporting the boys this weekend.”
For that set she charged R400, but hand-painted nail art can cost between R30 and R80 per nail.
Diehard fan Adel Heydenreich from Gqeberha is not only having a supporter’s dress in green and gold made, she is also sporting a set of gel-based nails complete with the South African flag and tiny Boks painted on.
“I’m definitely a supporter. Doing my nails is my way of showing the Boks I’m rooting for them. I am also getting my supporter dress made.”
Michelle van Rensburg, owner of Miss Moo Nails in Pinetown, says rugby fans are “going all out for the nails sets”.
The basic cost is R220 and increases depending on how detailed the nail art is.
“Whether you are a rugby fan or not, there is no denying that rugby unleashes that true South African spirit.
“It’s a sport that makes you so proud to be a South African, and, well, for the ladies there is no denying that the players don’t hurt the eyes,” said Van Rensburg.
Afreaka, a Cape Town-based online clothing store that specialises in onesies, has been inundated with orders for its Springbok and South African flag range which retails from R1,200 to R1,400, depending on the size.
Owner Ole Ohm says while he doesn’t ask his clients where they will wear his polar-fleece creations, he suspects they will make appearances during Springbok matches.
“They do pop up a lot ... like at the last World Cup in Japan. You will spot them. I do when I watch the Springbok games.”
The official rugby jersey price ranges from R1,000 to R1,300 for both home and away kits.
Pick n Pay Clothing says it has expanded its Rugby World Cup range of merchandise and tripled the volume of items “due to the overwhelming success of its 2019 Rugby World Cup range of clothing and accessories”.
“This year is no different, with stores nearly selling out due to the popularity of this year’s on-trend, fun and relevant range for customers of all ages,” said general manager Hazel Pillay.
“We have launched an extended range of Rugby World Cup clothing merchandise this year and priced it at the most affordable prices to make it accessible for all our customers.
“This extends to our furry four-legged family members with a dog bandanna.”
Baby body vests, like “I am Springbok girl” complete with a tutu are also proving popular.
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