Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in action during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France FILE - Springbok captain Siya Kolisi in action during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: Matthieu Mirville/DPPI via AFP
South Africa's two-time Rugby World Cup winning skipper Siya Kolisi said on Wednesday he accepts he will lose the Springboks captaincy as he is based abroad.
'Boks head coach Rassie Erasmus said last month he preferred his captain to be playing in South Africa, with their next Test in June.
Flanker Kolisi, 32, joined French club Racing 92, after October's second World Cup triumph, on a contract until 2026.
"That's normal. I knew that before making the decision to come here," Kolisi told reporters.
"He (Erasmus) speaks and he says this is the situation, it is what it is, there's nothing I can do about that," he added.
Kolisi will return from a thumb injury he suffered on March 2 for Sunday's last 16 Champions Cup trip to five-time winners Toulouse.
"I feel good, my hand is good," Kolisi said.
"I went to see the doctor to see the specialist and he was happy with the healing of my hand.
"I just want to be on the field. I tried to play last week but the coaches, management and doctors said I must wait for this week," he added.
Currently, the Sharks trio of Lukhanyo Am, Bongi Mbonambi and Eben Etzebeth are the favourites to take over from Kolisi as the Springboks’ captain.
Steven Kitshoff’s name could also be thrown into the mix as reports on Tuesday claimed he would be leaving Ulster after one season, and was likely returning to the Stormers.
Kitshoff famously captained the Stormers to the 2021–22 United Rugby Championship title.
AFP
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