Three World Cup winners who won't play for Springboks again
Over the next two seasons, the Springboks are set to enforce a carefully balanced strategy of squad management in order to ensure the core of their 2023 World Cup-winning squad can still be available for the defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in 2027.
However, one player has already retired this year, and there are two others also unlikely to play again at Test level.
Deon Fourie
Many may have forgotten that Fourie was actually serving as the on-field captain for the Springboks in the dying stages of the 2023 World Cup final, having filled a crucial role as the back-up hooker after an injury to Malcolm Marx.
Fourie was invited to the first Springbok alignment camp of the year, but he has sadly just suffered a broken tibia that is likely to keep him out of action for the rest of 2025.
Considering that the veteran forward will turn 39-years-old, it simply stands to reason that he won't feature for the Springboks again as they look to blood the next generation of talent alongside other stalwarts that can make it to the 2027 World cup.
Trevor Nyakane
Another loyal servant of Springbok rugby, Nyakane suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this year and is facing a long road to recovery.
Even before the injury, it is understandable that as the Springboks began a new four-year World Cup cycle, Nyakane was one of the players who has not received much regular game-time since 2023.
He will soon turn 36-years-old, and it unfortunately does appear that his days in the green and gold are now behind him.
Steven Kitshoff
One of the saddest stories in South African rugby at the start of this year was the premature retirement of Kitshoff due to a serious neck injury.
The powerful prop established an unforgettable legacy over his illustrious career, and the Springboks will certainly miss his presence on the field as it was initially hoped that the 33-year-old could push through to 2027.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.
Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.
Hospitality packages are also available on www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com
(*booking fees apply)
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