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Captain My Captain: Uncertainty Over Springbok Captaincy

As the rugby world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the storied history of South African rugby, there is some speculation around whether Siya Kolisi will retain his captaincy.

Rugby - 2023 Rugby World Cup - South Africa Arrival - OR Tambo International Airport - Johannesburg
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

As the rugby world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the storied history of South African rugby, there is some speculation around whether Siya Kolisi will retain his captaincy.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

Kolisi, who famously led the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, has been the subject of much speculation. This follows recent murmurs around his apparent ineligibility for national team selection enforced by an alleged clause in his Racing 92 contract. However, Rassie Erasmus has poured cold water on the claims confirming that no such clause exists. He still remains very much available for national selection, however, Erasmus has said that he would prefer his capitan to be locally-based because it “allows for more interaction.”

The 32-year-old’s leadership during those two World Cup successes captivated the global rugby community. His inspirational journey, rising from humble beginnings to become the first black captain of the Springboks, symbolised unity and resilience in a country still dealing with the scars of its dark history. His on-field performances and off-field leadership endeared him to fans across the globe, making him a symbol of hope and progress in South African rugby.

His performances for his Paris-based club aren’t an issue, and provided he’s fit, will be available for the mid-year Tests against Ireland and Portugal. He will, however, miss the game against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June with the fixture falling outside of the IRB’s Test window.

Questions linger about whether he will reclaim the captaincy or if Erasmus and his brains trust will opt to elevate someone new into the team’s leader as the team looks to secure the three-peat Down Under in 2027. The captaincy holds significant symbolic and strategic importance, and any decision regarding Kolisi’s role would undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the team.

Kolisi’s potential return and the uncertainty over the captaincy reflect broader questions about the future of the Springboks. As the rugby landscape evolves, the Springboks face many challenges in maintaining its status as a rugby powerhouse while also ensuring inclusivity and diversity within the sport from grassroots to the very top of the game. The Springboks’ success in 2019 and 2023 brought immense pride to the nation, but sustaining that success requires careful planning and development, both on and off the field.

In conclusion, Siya Kolisi will return to Springboks. Whether he does so as captain remains to be seen, but he will almost certainly form part of the squad’s leadership group. As supporters eagerly await further developments, one thing remains certain: the enduring impact of Kolisi’s journey transcends the sport, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity that defines South African rugby.

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