Springbok captain Siya Kolisi swapped the rugby field for the bright lights of New York, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in entertainment after helping South Africa secure a 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks.

Kolisi travelled to New York following the final Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test in Baltimore, where the Springboks defeated New Zealand 43-28 on Saturday to clinch the four-match series.

The captain was in the city for the premiere of JAY-Z’s new HBO docuseries, JAY-Z IN 8, which is set to debut on 18 September. Thanks to his connection with Roc Nation, Kolisi found himself on the red carpet alongside music producer DJ Khaled and other high-profile guests, including Oscar-winning actor and executive producer Daniel Kaluuya.

The New York appearance gave Kolisi a chance to experience a very different side of the United States after a demanding rugby tour.

While Kolisi made his way to New York, other members of the Springbok squad took the opportunity to explore Baltimore and experience some quintessentially American activities.

Several non-playing Boks and coaches, including assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, attended a Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Some members of the group were even given the opportunity to throw ceremonial first pitches before the game.

The squad also explored some of the sights, with players visiting the Washington Monument and walking around Baltimore. According to reports, Springbok supporters continued to approach the team for photographs and selfies during their time in the US.

The trip comes after an intense four-Test series against the All Blacks. New Zealand won the opening Test in Johannesburg, before South Africa responded with victories in Cape Town and at FNB Stadium. The Boks then sealed the series in Baltimore with a 43-28 victory.

The Baltimore Test also formed part of a wider effort to grow rugby’s presence in the United States ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted there. The match attracted around 68,000 spectators, with Kolisi previously saying he hoped the fixture would help boost interest in rugby in the region.

For Kolisi, however, the post-series celebrations have taken him from the rugby pitch to one of New York’s biggest entertainment events, where the Springbok captain found himself alongside DJ Khaled and Roc Nation figures at the JAY-Z IN 8 premiere.

Not a bad way to wrap up a US trip after bringing home the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.

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