Springboks wing Sbu Nkosi found safe and sound

South Africa's Rugby World Cup-winning wing Sbu Nkosi has been found safe and sound, the Vodacom Bulls confirmed.

Nkosi had been reported missing by the Bulls after being absent without leave for three weeks.

The Bulls said Nkosi, who has played 16 Tests for South Africa and was part of the squad that won the 2019 World Cup, last made contact with any executive, management or playing squad member on 11 November.

The team lodged a missing person case with police and Nkosi, 26, was found after "lengthy and extensive efforts" at around 2pm local time on Monday.

The Bulls said in a statement: "Once it was established that Nkosi was safe, unharmed and in a position to speak, Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone went into Nkosi's home [with the permission of the player], spending alone time with him, to understand how best the company can provide him with the support he needs and what that support is.

"As the Vodacom Bulls family, we are thrilled that Nkosi is safe.

"We wish to extend a vote of thanks to all the members of the public who shared information that contributed to our search.

"We wish to also express a word of thanks to the international community who also joined the call and efforts in searching for Nkosi."

The club added that they could not give more information about the matter but would hold a news conference on Tuesday.

Nkosi was named in South Africa's Autumn Nations Series squad but was ruled out after suffering a rib injury while playing for the Bulls in the BKT United Rugby Championship.