Kolisi hails Proteas triumph as Boks assemble for high-stakes 2025 campaign
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back in familiar territory and fired up for another demanding international season.
As the team completes their second week of training in Johannesburg, Kolisi spoke of the emotional value of reunion and the excitement of getting back to work with old teammates.
'It's always tough to say goodbye at the end of a season, so being back together is very special,' said Kolisi.
The flanker praised the intensity of training sessions and the team's focus ahead of the historic clash against the Barbarians — their first ever on South African soil.
He also expressed enthusiasm about seeing injured veterans like Lood de Jager rejoin the group, noting that team spirit is already high.
Away from rugby, Kolisi made a point to celebrate South African sport more broadly. He congratulated the Proteas for their ICC World Test Championship victory over Australia, describing it as a 'fantastic' moment that united the nation.
'The way they won, especially after so many doubted them, was inspiring. It shows what South Africans can do when we believe.'
Kolisi's message mirrors the Springboks' own mantra of unity, resilience, and pride as they aim to build on their World Cup legacy and set new standards this season.
The match between the Barbarians and Springboks will be followed by back-to-back Tests against Italy – first at Loftus in Pretoria on 5 July, and then at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 12 July.
The mid-year match schedule series will then conclude with a clash against Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July, a side known for their physicality and scrummaging power.
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