Siya Kolisi accepts that he may lose Springbok captaincy
Double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has accepted the fact that he will lose the Springboks captaincy as he is based abroad in France.
South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi said on Wednesday he accepts he will lose the Springboks captaincy as he is based abroad.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said last month he preferred his captain to be playing in South Africa, with their next Test in June.
Kolisi, 32, joined French club Racing 92, after October’s second consecutive Rugby World Cup triumph, on a contract until 2026.
“That’s normal. I knew that before deciding to come here,” Kolisi told reporters.
“He (Erasmus) speaks and he says this is the situation, it is what it is, there’s nothing I can do about that,” he added.
SIYA KOLISI HAS RECOVERED FROM A HAND INJURY
Kolisi will return from a thumb injury that he suffered on 2 March for Sunday’s Last 16 Champions Cup trip to five-time winners Toulouse.
“I feel good, my hand is good,” Kolisi said.
“I went to see the doctor to see the specialist and he was happy with the healing of my hand.
“I just want to be on the field. I tried to play last week but the coaches, management and doctors said I must wait for this week,” he added.
Sharks trio Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi are among the favourites to take over from Kolisi as the next Springbok captain.
Steven Kitshoff’s name has also been mentioned, but he too falls into the same boat as Kolisi in that he is currently based abroad in Ireland at Ulster.