He was also overlooked for a test against Wales last year after failing to renew his passport in time, despite requests from South African Rugby for him to do so.

Nkosi was sent home from the Bulls' United Rugby Championship tour of Europe in October after missing a team meeting. 'Maybe a little effort needs to be put into how the guys manage the wave of emotions that come with the good and bad times.' I think it's something that needs to be focused on a bit more, whether you're on top or at the bottom. 'I'm not special or different or unique in any way. I've basically been curled up in a ball with my Dad, and he's been managing my mental state daily,' Nkosi said. Team officials said they will be offering him support. Nkosi has told the Bulls he would like to take a break from the game but intends to return in the future. I'm at a point where I need to prioritise the person before the rugby player.' It's been building up for a couple of years now. 'It's just been a whole lot of mental pressure. There's obviously a lot to speak about that I can't say out loud but my condition is improving,' Nkosi told South Africa's News24. Nkosi, 26, who has 16 Springbok caps and was part of the squad that lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2019, says he has been battling 'mental pressure' for some time, and it all caught up with him. Bulls, who will compete in the Champions Cup against Lyon this weekend, reported Nkosi missing with police after neither they nor several close family members could contact him.

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