Three Springbok players unlikely to play in the 2027 World Cup
The Springbok team has enjoyed significant success over the past six years, winning two Rugby World Cups.
With only two years remaining before the next World Cup, the Springboks are favourites to retain their title, despite having an ageing squad.
Key players such as Faf de Klerk, Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Handre Pollard are all over 30 years old. However, the future looks promising for the Springboks with emerging talents like Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Marnus van der Merwe, who are expected to play beyond 2027.
Trevor Nyakane
The former Blue Bulls captain last played for the Springboks in September 2022, coming off the bench in a Test against Argentina. That match marked his most recent appearance in the green and gold. Unfortunately, injuries and the transition to a new World Cup cycle have sidelined him from Test contention. The 36-year-old prop has 68 caps for the Springboks, and his chances of participating in another World Cup are slim.
Willie Le Roux
Willie will turn 36 later this year and will be 38 by the time the next World Cup kicks off. He is not part of the Springbok team set to play the Barbarians this weekend, but he is expected to achieve his 100th cap later this year, becoming the eighth Springbok player to reach this milestone. Le Roux has lost some of his spark over the past year, and it remains to be seen if he can continue beyond this season. He had a decent run with the Blue Bulls in the URC, but ultimately, they fell short against Leinster in the final.
Deon Fourie
Fourie last wore the Springbok jersey in October 2023, playing a crucial role in the Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks. He came off the bench early in the match and impressively played 76 minutes, helping South Africa secure their fourth World Cup title in France. Since that iconic final, he has not been seen in the Springbok colours.
In April, the 36-year-old hooker suffered a leg injury that sidelined him for several months. While he may play a match or two for the Springboks in the future, it is highly unlikely that he will be selected for the next World Cup, as he will be 41 by then.
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