Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has named who he believes could be the next Springbok captain.
If fit, Siya Kolisi will lead the Boks to the 2027 World Cup in Australia but the debate around who should take over after that, is heating up.
Kolisi, who will be 36 at the World Cup, is expected to be entering the final chapter of his Test career, having led the Boks since 2018 and becoming one of the most influential figures in South African rugby history.
But according to Kitshoff, the succession plan is far from clear.
“Sometimes players get earmarked quite early in their careers, and I think we saw it with Siya when he started captaining the Stormers back in the day. People already knew he was going to be a great leader,” he said on the For the Love of Rugby South Africa podcast.
“Currently, I’m not too sure who’s going to be the future captain. I think if Siya makes it to the 2027 World Cup, he’ll make it physically, but if he gets injured, I’m not sure who is going to be the guy who steps in.
“Jesse Kriel has done an exceptional job as a stand-in captain, but for me, there’s no standout guy who I think can take over next.”
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Pressed to name a candidate, Kitshoff pointed to a forward who has quietly built a strong leadership reputation at club level.
“If I had to put a name down, I’d say Ruan Nortjé from the Bulls. I think he gets the job. He does it at the Bulls exceptionally well, and he’ll probably be my standout guy if someone needs to be selected.”
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Nortje made his Springbok debut in 2022 and has since amassed 18 Test caps, impressing when he’s had the chance to don the green and gold.
However, his reported move to Japan at the end of the season could complicate matters. While Bok coach Rassie Erasmus is not restricted from selecting overseas-based players, he has previously indicated a preference for locally-based leadership options.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Kitsie makes bold call on Siya’s successor appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has named who he believes could be the next Springbok captain.
The post Kitsie makes bold call on Siya’s successor appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
