**Siya Kolisi Commits to Springboks’ Future as Team Embraces Long-Term Planning**
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has expressed his determination to remain a part of South Africa’s national rugby team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Despite approaching the latter stages of his career at age 34, the flanker revealed that he has reconsidered earlier plans to retire from international rugby and is aiming to extend his Test career with the Springboks.
Kolisi, who is preparing for his 93rd cap in an upcoming match against Georgia, said his physical condition remains strong and that he’s taking things one season and one match at a time. While he’ll be 36 by the time of the 2027 World Cup, he emphasized that age isn’t a barrier if performance and fitness are maintained—something echoed by the Springboks’ coaching staff.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick have both stated that age is not a factor in team selection, stressing that performance and contribution are what matter. Stick reiterated that coaches have no authority to force players into retirement, using Kolisi’s top fitness scores in recent training as evidence that veterans can still compete at a high level. He also pointed to previous players like Schalk Brits and Duane Vermeulen, who remained effective well into their 30s.
Erasmus has been rotating a large pool of players—already using 46 in just four matches this year—to strengthen squad depth and prepare for the future. Kolisi supports this strategy, recalling how the Springboks experienced a slump in performance after many senior players retired simultaneously following the 2015 World Cup. That period, which he described as a “dark time,” highlighted the need for more gradual transitions between generations.
Kolisi noted that while every player wants to feature regularly, the rotation policy is about safeguarding the long-term success of South African rugby. He praised Erasmus’ honest and transparent leadership, saying that the staff openly communicate their goals: to maintain high standards, evolve tactically, and provide opportunities to the next wave of players—all while striving to leave the Springboks in a stronger position for future campaigns.