WATCH: Jubilation as Springboks return home with Webb Ellis trophy

Thousands of South Africans welcomed the four-time Rugby World Champions on Tuesday morning as they made their way to the arrivals terminal at OR Tambo International Airport.

The team arrived from France today after being crowned champions following a dramatic match against New Zealand's All Blacks on Saturday.

Out-going coach Jacques Nienaber, Captain Kolisi, the players and government briefed the media. .

"People were hopeful in 2019 - maybe we will win it? But, this time we could feel that people expected us to win the World Cup," says Kolisi.

READ: Springbok trophy tour: Where to see the world champs

"So their support and the videos as Mr President [Cyril Ramaphosa] said, honestly, after training or games, we would see what is happening back home and that is why we made the decision that we we already won the World Cup in 2019, it is not about us as player anymore, we always play for South Africa but we wanted to make sure that this one is for the people of South Africa." 

Johan Wentzel from the Western Cape also landed from France at OR Tambo. 

"We arrived there last week Wednesday, we watched the bronze meddle match and the final and it was absolutely fantastic. When we won the World Cup - you can hear my voice it is not completely healed yet, but it was absolutely fantastic. 

"You can't describe it to anybody. It was my first World Cup final and it was really enjoyable and to walk in here and see the the people welcoming the Boks and the passengers its unbelievable."