Lima Sopoaga explored South Africa like a local.

Lima Sopoaga arrived in South Africa for rugby, but the former All Blacks player says he is leaving with something far more meaningful.

After spending time in the country for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, Sopoaga took to social media to reflect on an experience that clearly went beyond the matches between the Springboks and All Blacks.

Sharing a series of photographs from his time in South Africa, he admitted that the trip had been difficult to put into words.

“I came to South Africa for rugby and content but somehow I’ve found so much more,” he wrote, highlighting the people, culture, kindness, beauty and perspective he encountered along the way.