The Springboks start their journey to the Rugby World Cup in France on Saturday at the start of what a nation hopes will be a 78-day odyssey to go back-to-back after victory in Japan in 2019.

Thirty-three players and 22 management will fly from OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday to start the journey to a hoped-for Paris finale at the end of October.

And the public is being invited to see them off as they are serenaded and entertained by an ‘A’ list of South African artists.

Robbie Wessels, Early B, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, PJ Powers, Loyiso Bala, Lloyd Cele, Good Luck, Mariechen and Bernice West will all be on stage in the build up. Food and drink will also be on sale.

The players and coaches will appear on stage and be available for one last selfie with lucky fans and there will be live acts and other entertainment at the free-entry event.

However, booking a ticket will be essential to gain access as capacity is limited. They can be obtained at Quicket or by CLICKING HERE.

The gates open at noon with entertainment from 13h00 and the Springboks due to appear on stage from approximately 14h15.

The Gautrain is running a special free service for a maximum of 200 fans. Two hundred pre-loaded Gautrain cards will be issued to Quicket ticket holders on a first-come, first-serve basis. This special offer is only available from Gautrain Sandton station between 10h30 and 12h30.

Come say farewell to your heroes on Saturday – it’s fun, it’s free and it’ll be fabulous.