Springbok captain Siya Kolisi opens up on possible retirement

By SABC Sport
30th October 2023

South Africa's two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi was asked if he is still considering retiring after this year's tournament.

The inspirational captain previously hinted that he could hang up his Test boots after the tournament in France, stating as much in his autobiography 'RISE'.

However, it now looks like he could be set to continue his high-flying Springbok career in 2024.

"Do not expect an immediate announcement from Siya ” he has a lot to consider," his associate told AFP, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"Let him and his team enjoy themselves first. What they have achieved is beyond amazing. Siya Kolisi is a national treasure. He must be the most popular person in South Africa right now."

Journalist Illtud Dafydd posed the question to the Springbok captain at the World Rugby Awards on Sunday evening, however, and got a more positive answer from the man himself.

"Hopefully, if I get chosen, I'm not going to stop," Kolisi said, clearly eager to see the good times continue.

Kolisi became only the second player in men's rugby history to captain his country to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, following in the footsteps of All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

The Bok captain and his teammates return to South Africa on Tuesday, where they will begin celebrations with a victory parade displaying the trophy around the country.

After which, Kolisi will head back to France to link up with Parisian Top 14 club Racing 92.

Back in January of this year, there were reports his contract with the French club included a clause that forbade him from playing international rugby, however, it was denied by South African rugby.

Saturday's Rugby World Cup final saw Kolisi captain South Africa for the 53rd time overall and for the 12th time in a World Cup match. Only John Smit (83) has led the Springboks on more occasions.

With Jacques Nienaber heading to Leinster, the appointment of the next Springbok head coach will also factor into Kolisi's decision.

Assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids are both in line to replace Nienaber, while Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus could also reclaim control in the interim before a permanent replacement is confirmed in 2025.