It takes courage to play rugby at the best of times, but walking into the Springboks' dressing room moments after you have been red-carded for an illegal hit on one of their players would prove too daunting for most.
Not so, Josh Larsen of Canada. He was red carded for a shoulder charge against South Africa at the last World Cup, and a clip involving his awe-inspiring apology after the game has been given a breath of fresh air on TikTok this week.
Canada were facing the Springboks in their Pool B match, where the North Americans suffered a 66-7 defeat. The game was partly overshadowed by a careless shoulder charge from Larsen on Thomas du Toit, after he attempted to clear out a ruck.
Referee Luke Pearce gave the lock his marching orders after brandishing a red card, completing a miserable day for the men in red. However, after the game, Larsen went to the Springbok changing rooms and apologised to his opposition for his poor clear out. It is a shining example of sportsmanship.
"I just want to come and apologise for my red card tonight. I'm pretty gutted about it. I just wanted to come and apologise to you guys face to face, and I wish you all the best for the rest of the tournament."
Larsen's apology was met with a wave of rousing applause and appreciation from the South Africans. The Boks are seen handing Larsen a beer after his incredible act of humility, before breaking into song. In the last week this clip has amassed 828,000 views and 76,000 likes on Ball Carrier's TikTok account.
