Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has admitted he could lose his role as Springbok captain in 2024.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus recently said he believed Kolisi was playing his “best rugby”, but admitted the captain could be replaced in 2024.
In 2018, Kolisi became the first black player to captain the Springboks, and it was Erasmus who handed over the captaincy to Kolisi, who kept the armband when he was fit and led the team to two World Cup wins.
Siya Kolisi accepts he could lose his Springbok captaincy
However, after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Kolisi joined French Top 14 club Racing 92, which automatically put his future as team captain in doubt.
The 32-year-old is still eligible for selection to the Springboks, but Erasmus recently said he would prefer his captain to be based locally.
“Siya is playing the best rugby, but I prefer having the captain locally because it allows for more interaction,” Erasmus said.
“This is a special situation and I think he (Kolisi) will play some Test matches. He certainly wants it, but I don’t know about the captaincy.”
Kolisi then responded to Erasmus’ comments, saying he knew his leadership role was in doubt when he signed for Racing 92.
“That’s normal. I knew that before I made the decision to come here,” Kolisi told reporters ahead of Racing 92’s Investec Champions Cup final match against Toulouse.
“He (Erasmus) speaks and says this is the situation, this is the way it is and there is nothing I can do about it.”
Springbok legend helps Rassie Erasmus solve captain’s puzzle
Return from injury
Kolisi has missed Racing’s last three Top 14 games due to a thumb injury, but is expected to return against Toulouse.
“I feel good; my hands are good,” said the flanker.
“I went to the doctor to see a specialist and he was happy with how my hand was healing.
“I just want to be on the field. I tried to play last week, but the coaches, management and doctors said I had to wait this week.”
Kolisi’s victory over New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final last year marked the 53rd time he has captained the Springboks. Only John Smith, 83, has served as more captains in South Africa.
Lukhanyo Am, Bongi Mbonambi and Eben Etzebeth are being considered as potential candidates to replace Kolisi in 2024, while Steven Kitshoff, who is tipped to return to South Africa, could also be considered.
read more: Quiz: Can you name the Rugby World Cup final match between the Springboks and the All Blacks on Round 23?
