Steven Kitshoff has nominated Ruan Nortje as his candidate to eventually succeed Kolisi as Springbok captain, pointing to his leadership at the Bulls as the clearest evidence of readiness. The problem: Nortje is heading to Japan at the end of the season, and Erasmus has previously flagged why an overseas-based captain creates practical headaches — Kolisi's time at Racing 92 being the reference point. Kitshoff is candid that there's no obvious heir apparent right now, noting that even a reliable stand-in like Jesse Kriel doesn't quite fit the long-term mould. He also frames the captaincy as something bigger than on-field leadership — the next captain needs to be the public face of the Springboks, carrying the media weight that comes with the role. With Kolisi potentially taking the team through 2027, the succession question may only become urgent if injury forces the issue sooner.
Kitshoff names his pick for next Bok captain — but there's a catch
Kitshoff backs Ruan Nortje as the next Bok captain but acknowledges the looming Japan move complicates the case — and admits there's no clear successor if Kolisi goes down before 2027.
- Siya Kolisi
- Rassie Erasmus
- Jesse Kriel
- Springboks
- Vodacom Bulls
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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Erasmus: winning stays non-negotiable, whatever the World Cup build-up demands
Erasmus has made his 2025 season intent explicit: rotation and World Cup-building happen inside a framework where winning remains the non-negotiable baseline. The piece breaks down what that means for squad management, the veterans' standing, and why the All Blacks series carries extra weight.
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Esterhuizen and Giliomee eager as Boks and SA 'A' prepare for Gqeberha double-header
The Springboks face the Barbarians and SA 'A' take on Zimbabwe in a double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, with Andre Esterhuizen backing Quan Horn's shift to flyhalf and teenager Luan Giliomee set for his third green-and-gold environment of the year.
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what