Iconic and inspirational Siya Kolisi will leave enormous boots to fill when he eventually steps down as Springbok captain.
Kolisi has led the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs – in 2019 and 2023 – as well as consecutive Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.
Along the way, he also guided South Africa to a memorable British & Irish Lions series victory (2021), cementing his legacy as one of the game’s great leaders.
End of an era
While he is expected to remain captain through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, it increasingly feels like the end of an era will follow that tournament.
Whether Kolisi retires entirely or simply hands over the armband, a new leader will be tasked with guiding South African rugby into its next chapter.
Let’s take a look at the three leading candidates to replace Kolisi as the next Springbok skipper.
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THE NEXT SPRINGBOKS SKIPPER TO LEAD NEW ERA
The Springboks remain firmly in a golden period, with a historic three-peat at the Rugby World Cup firmly in their sights.
However, a generational shift is looming.
Several senior players – including Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Deon Fourie, Faf de Klerk, Makazole Mapimpi and Willie le Roux – are entering the latter stages of their careers.
That makes the next captaincy appointment a crucial one.
The ideal successor must combine experience with longevity, consistency with leadership, and influence both on and off the field.
He must lead with his performances on the pitch and have many years left in him in the green and gold.
THREE LEADING CANDIDATES TO REPLACE KOLISI
1. JESSE KRIEL
Kriel has already had a taste of leadership at the highest level.
He captained the Springboks against Italy and Australia, and notably led the side against New Zealand at Eden Park – even with Kolisi back in the squad.
That trust speaks volumes.
Coach Rassie Erasmus’s recent selections are a clear indication that he sees Kriel as a potential replacement to Kolisi long-term.
Furthermore, Erasmus believes that he is one of the most experienced and professional players he has ever coached.
In fact, not many people are aware of the fact that Kriel was regularly the Springbok vice-captain.
“We don’t announce the vice-captain but most of the times he’s vice-captain or if Siya is off, Jessie has always been a pro and he’s really won his first two games that he captained,” Erasmus told the media after appointing Kriel as captain against Australia last season.
At 32, Kriel offers a strong balance of experience and future longevity, making him a leading contender to take over long-term.
He’ll be 33 after the next World Cup and he is in top condition physically right now.
2. MALCOLM MARX
The current World Rugby Player of the Year is the most in-form and red-hot player in world rugby at the moment.
It goes without saying that the world’s best rugby player leading out the world’s best rugby team could not be more fitting.
If leadership is earned through performance, Marx is right at the front of the queue.
Meanwhile, the 87-capped Springboks star is not shy on experience either.
He leads by example with relentless intensity and consistency. His influence on matches is undeniable, and his presence commands respect.
At 31, he still has another Rugby World Cup cycle in him. That, combined with his form and stature, makes him a compelling option to captain the Springboks into the next era.
3. PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT
Few players embody commitment like Du Toit.
The former two-time World Rugby Player of the Year is known for his tireless work rate and physical sacrifice.
He consistently sets the tone with his performances and has long been one of the emotional leaders within the squad.
However, age may count against him.
By the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, he will be 35, which could limit his long-term suitability compared to other candidates.
A CAPTAINCY THAT DEFINES THE FUTURE
Replacing Siya Kolisi is about more than filling a role – it’s about continuing a legacy and ushering in the new era of Springboks rugby.
The next Springbok captain will not only inherit one of the most successful teams in rugby history, but will also be responsible for guiding a new generation forward.
So, while Kolisi’s influence will be impossible to replicate, South Africa are fortunate to have leaders already rising within their ranks.
After all, Rassie Erasmus is the mastermind behind it and he is always planning several steps ahead.
The next Springbok captain knows very well how big the boots he is filling will be and how mighty this honour is.
WHO SHOULD REPLACE SIYA KOLISI AS THE NEXT SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …
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