Three World Cup winners who won’t play for Springboks again

Over the following two seasons, the Springboks are set to implement a fastidiously balanced technique of squad administration with the intention to make sure the core of their 2023 World Cup-winning squad can nonetheless be accessible for the defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in 2027.

Nevertheless, one participant has already retired this yr, and there are two others additionally unlikely to play once more at Check degree.

Springbok farewells to those gamers

Deon Fourie

Many might have forgotten that Fourie was really serving because the on-field captain for the Springboks within the dying levels of the 2023 World Cup remaining, having stuffed an important function because the back-up hooker after an harm to Malcolm Marx.

Fourie was invited to the primary Springbok alignment camp of the yr, however he has sadly simply suffered a damaged tibia that’s prone to maintain him out of motion for the remainder of 2025.

Contemplating that the veteran ahead will flip 39-years-old, it merely stands to cause that he gained’t function for the Springboks once more as they give the impression of being to blood the following era of expertise alongside different stalwarts that may make it to the 2027 World cup.

Trevor Nyakane

One other loyal servant of Springbok rugby, Nyakane suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this yr and is dealing with an extended street to restoration.

Even earlier than the harm, it’s comprehensible that because the Springboks started a brand new four-year World Cup cycle, Nyakane was one of many gamers who has not obtained a lot common game-time since 2023.

He’ll quickly flip 36-years-old, and it sadly does seem that his days within the inexperienced and gold are actually behind him.

Steven Kitshoff

One of many saddest tales in South African rugby initially of this yr was the untimely retirement of Kitshoff as a result of a severe neck harm.

The highly effective prop established an unforgettable legacy over his illustrious profession, and the Springboks will definitely miss his presence on the sphere because it was initially hoped that the 33-year-old may push by way of to 2027.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST MEMORIES FROM THEIR CAREERS?

Tell us by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the newest information.

In the meantime, right here is a vital reminder on ticket gross sales for the Springbok males’s recreation in opposition to Argentina within the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.