Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has sought to assure the nation that captain Siya Kolisi will continue to lead the team in 2026.
These following concerns that the 34-year-old Kolisi will be old enough to co continue with his role, nor be a part of the squad.
But during a media briefing in Cape Town, Erasmus said if Siya is fit, healthy and playing well, then there’s no reason to remove him as captain.
“Captaincy is a big thing in South Africa.
But the icon and the person Siya has become to South Africans definitely shifted my mindset on that.
When I started out it wasn’t a big thing for me, because I believe we all take ownership and support the captain.
Our feeling is if a guy is 34, 35, 36, injury free and the fittest and in the best shape, then he will remain the number in his position and stay captain,” said Erasmus.
In addition, Erasmus said there are some possible replacements, including Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The Springboks management announced a congested international season which can include up to 15 matches, which the coach said it’ll give him an opportunity to test players and increase the depth in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“It’s a big year for us and our planning is in place to allow as many players as possible to see what we’ve got planned and how we want to approach the season, and for the new guys, how we do things at the Boks.
We’ve already got 13 Tests confirmed and we’re looking at adding perhaps another two games to the schedule, to make it a proper international schedule.
The last time the Boks played these many games in a year, was in 2007, when there were 17 clashes,” explained Erasmus.
According to the Springboks’ Team Manager, Charles Wessels, apart from the three home Tests in July, the usual Castle Lager Rugby Championship between August and October, and the end-of-year trip to the Northern Hemisphere in November, the Boks are looking to add two more matches to their schedule.
Wessels said the first option they’re considering is a midyear clash against the Barbarians before the Castle Lager Incoming Series, and they are also looking at adding another Test, with the opponent, venue and date still to be confirmed.
The team will also play the All Blacks twice in New Zealand and will also play away against France and Ireland.
“We want to build depth and expand our player base, with the next two Rugby World Cups in mind, especially in certain positions where some of our established players are getting older, and this year will give us that opportunity,” remarked the coach.
