Rassie Erasmus issues statement on Siya Kolisi & the Springbok captaincy
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
Skipper?
Siya Kolisi’s future as Springboks captain has been questioned following comments from South Africa boss, Rassie Erasmus.
The bruising back-row forward has skippered the Boks throughout the Erasmus era, leading them to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, but a change in his situation may result in him being stripped of the role.
He joined French side Racing 92 after the World Cup and Erasmus has revealed in a press conference that while Kolisi will continue to represent the Boks, he might have to select a new captain as he prefers to have his skipper based locally.
“There’s a lot of players who have signed with overseas clubs with clauses in their contracts that say they will stop playing international rugby. Siya has not signed with a clause like that,” Erasmus said.
“That’s the first thing that tells you he wants to play for South Africa. I think he is playing some of his best rugby. He looks really relaxed.
“I would always like to have our captain locally based. Just because it’s a call and a flight and we can have a weekend together where we can plan.
“This is a unique situation. He will be considered. He definitely wants to and is playing well enough. If we get the feeling that it’s doable, maybe there’s place for that. But I still have to suss it out.”