Springbok Captain and Sharks Flanker Siya Kolisi Sends Message to Bullied Boy Alfie Pugsley in Heartfelt Video

• Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi rallied to bullied young rugby player Alfie Pugsley's side with a heartfelt video
• The Sharks flanker encourage the 12-year-old Alfie to shut the haters out and continue improving while enjoying himself
• Alfie's father Mark had earlier posted on Twitter about how his son was targeted by a troll who said he was "too big" to play the sport

World cup-winning Springbok captain was one of many leading rugby players and personalities who rallied to Alfie Pugsley's side after he was bullied on social media.

The bruising Sharks flanker shared a video motivating video to the the 12-year-old Welsh prop, encouraging him to not give doubters the time of day and focus on improving as player and enjoying himself.

Kolisi said in the tweet:

"Alfie, I’m proud of you for being a true champion through your hard work and determination. Keep doing what you do and don’t let anyone tell you who you can’t be. Never make yourself small because of small-minded people. Dlala kwekwe kulate ngoku to waste time on haters."

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As reported on News24, Alfie's father Mark shared in a tweet that a troll on Facebook had commented on the youngster's appearance, saying that he was "too big" to be playing the sport.

Pugsley said:

"Had to remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented saying my boy is too "big" to play under 12s and isn't healthy. If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been. Don't worry, Alfie. I'll always be your biggest fan."

Springbok props Ox Nche and Beast Mtawarira show sensitive sides by inspiring bullied young rugby player

Siya Kolisi was not the only Springbok who encouraged Alfie Pugsley to keep his head up.

Retired Springbok prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira and current Bok starter Retshegofaditswe "Ox" Nche also pulled through in a time of need for the Welsh prop.

Mtawarira and Nche went on social media to cheer Alfie, among many in the rugby fraternity who did so in a show of solidarity.