Kolisi confirms: I’m ready to play through to next World Cup!

Siya Kolisi has already led the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup titles, establishing himself as one of the most iconic leaders both on and off the field.

However, considering that he will turn 34-years-old in June, some pundits have questioned whether he will be able to make it through to the 2027 World Cup.

Kolisi recently returned to the Sharks from French club Racing 92, though, and it’s understood that a big factor in this decision was to reduce the workload on his body as he looks to extend his international career.

“When I put on the green-and-gold jersey, I feel like a superhero,” he said in a lengthy interview with The Times. “I feel like I can do anything and I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to give that up.

“The next person that takes it [the jersey] from me, they’re going to have to grab it, because I’m going to fight. And my body feels strong, so I think I can.”

Kolisi also admitted that he wouldn’t have been able to extend his Test career by another four years if he continued to play in the gruelling French Top 14 rather than at a South African club where game management policies apply for Springbok players.

“On my body, there’s no way I could do both,” he stated.

Meanwhile, we recently took a look at the three candidates that could take over from Siya Kolisi as Springbok captain when he eventually hangs up his Test boots after 2027.

FUTURE SPRINGBOK CAPTAINCY CONTENDERS TO TAKE OVER FROM SIYA KOLISI?

Handre Pollard

The veteran flyhalf is still only 30-years-old, and could quite feasibly still play for the Springboks for another five or six years. He is a well-respected leader and could pretty easily take over from Kolisi, although it wouldn’t be much of a long-term appointment.

Salmaan Moerat

The big lock has already captained the Springboks on three occasions, and is clearly held in high regard by the national coaches. At 26, he has age on his side, but the big question is whether he would be assured of a starting position.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The youngster might only be at the start of his Test career, but if he can stay fit and injury free, there is no doubt that he possesses the talent to remain a key member of the Springbok team through to the next World Cup. Rassie Erasmus has already admitted that the former SA U20 skipper shows ‘captaincy material’, and he could well be a strong contender after 2027 when he has banked some more experience.

Who do you think should serve as the next captain?

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