The Springboks are gearing up for their 2024 international season, which could see them introducing a new captain. Is this change set to be permanent? The possibility looms that the Springboks could be led by a new captain at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Siya Kolisi’s role as captain potentially at risk. Last month, the Springboks scheduled their first alignment camp in preparation for the 2024 international season. This camp presents an opportunity for coach Rassie Erasmus to evaluate his team options. For this purpose, Erasmus has called up a 43-man squad, including 16 uncapped players alongside fresh talent. Additionally, he has chosen 21 players who are World Cup champions, with 12 of them being back-to-back winners. Among these players are seasoned squad members like Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe. Notably, Willie le Roux, who was already a Springbok veteran in 2023, is gearing up for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Erasmus appears poised to embark on his new tenure in the same manner as his previous one. At the start of his initial term, he made the significant decision to appoint Kolisi as captain, a move that was highly successful both on and off the field. Off the field, this decision highlighted the team’s successful transformation and embrace of diversity, which has become a key aspect of their culture and achievements. Under Kolisi’s leadership, the Springboks secured back-to-back World Cup titles, a British and Irish Lions series victory, and triumphed in the 2019 Rugby Championship. However, it seems Erasmus is ready to usher in a new era, potentially moving on from Kolisi’s leadership. Erasmus is considering replacing Kolisi as the Springbok captain for several reasons. “There are many players who have contracts with overseas clubs, including clauses that they will retire from international rugby. Siya hasn’t signed such a clause, indicating his desire to continue playing for South Africa. I think he’s playing some of his best rugby and seems very relaxed. Ideally, I’d prefer our captain to be based locally for easier communication and planning. This is a unique situation, and he’s definitely in consideration. He’s eager and performing well, so if it seems feasible, we might explore that option. But I’m still evaluating,” Erasmus explained, according to SA Rugby Magazine. Kolisi, who recently underwent hand surgery, will be unavailable for the Springboks’ upcoming game against Wales, as the match on June 22 falls outside the international window, during which European clubs are not required to release players.
