Rassie Erasmus names Kolisi as New Springbok Captain

May 28, 2018
1914
Ultimate Rugby

Springbok and Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi has been appointed as the new Springbok captain for Incoming Series against England next month.

His fellow Stormers teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead the side against Wales in Washington.

Both men will captain the Springboks for the first time, with Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth ruled out of the June Internationals through injury.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: “I believe both of them will do a good job as captains. My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must therefore work extremely hard with that one goal in mind – to make the Springboks successful again.”

Born in Zwide township near Port Elizabeth, Kolisi is also the Stormers captain and has played in 28 Tests since making his debut at age 22 against Scotland in Nelspruit on 15 June 2013.

Du Toit made his debut as a 21-year-old on 9 November 2013 against Wales in Cardiff. He is equally at home as lock and as loose forward and has played in 32 Test for the Springboks, 21 as lock, 10 times as flank and once as No 8.

The Springbok squad to face Wales in Washington (in order of name, position, franchise, Test caps, points):

Forwards (16):

Nizaam Carr (loose forward, DHL Stormers, 5, 0)

Dan du Preez (loose forward, Cell C Sharks, 3, 0)

Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock, DHL Stormers, 32, 20 - 4t)

Thomas du Toit (prop, Cell C Sharks, uncapped)

Jason Jenkins (lock, Vodacom Bulls, uncapped)

Steven Kitshoff (prop, DHL Stormers, 23, 5 - 1t)

Wilco Louw (prop, DHL Stormers, 5, 0)

Frans Malherbe (prop, DHL Stormers, 17, 0)

Bongi Mbonambi (hooker, DHL Stormers, 14, 5 - 1t)

Oupa Mohojé (loose forward, Toyota Cheetahs 18, 0)