The Springboks’ unprecedented period of success under Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi has prompted inevitable questions over who will one day take charge as South Africa’s next head coach and captain – with Mzwandile Stick and Jesse Kriel emerging as frontrunners for the respective roles.
Erasmus has already committed his future to SA Rugby until 2031, a deal that would see him guide the Springboks through the next two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2031. Kolisi, meanwhile, remains on track to continue as captain through the 2027 tournament.
Yet SA Rugby knows that at some stage, a new leadership team will be required. When that moment arrives, the current structure suggests the successors may already be in place.
Stick leads coaching contenders
Mzwandile Stick is widely viewed within South African rugby as the leading candidate to become the next Springboks head coach.
The long-serving assistant has been alongside Erasmus for the entirety of this golden era, playing a central role in two Rugby World Cup triumphs, two Rugby Championship titles and victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
Having spent years embedded in the national set-up, Stick is regarded as one of the foremost experts on the Springboks’ systems, culture and standards. That internal knowledge, coupled with SA Rugby’s long-standing preference for appointing South African coaches, significantly strengthens his position should a vacancy arise.
Another strong option from within the current coaching team is Deon Davids. Like Stick, he is already part of the Springboks’ back-room staff, but he brings the added advantage of previous head coaching experience with the Southern Kings.
That background distinguishes Davids from many peers, having already dealt with the dual pressures of managing a professional squad and operating at elite international level. If SA Rugby chooses continuity combined with proven leadership, Davids will be firmly in the conversation.
Smith offers an outside alternative
Franco Smith represents a departure from the internal candidates but has enhanced his reputation considerably in Europe.
Now in charge of Glasgow Warriors, Smith guided the Scottish club to the United Rugby Championship title in the 2023/24 season, an achievement that has reinforced his status as one of the game’s shrewdest tacticians.
His track record in developing players, creating successful environments and adjusting game plans to different challenges makes him an attractive long-term option should SA Rugby decide to look outside the existing Springboks coaching group when Erasmus eventually steps aside.
Replacing Kolisi ‘as big a challenge’ as succeeding Erasmus
Identifying a successor to Kolisi is expected to be every bit as demanding as planning for a new head coach.
South Africa’s inspirational skipper has led the side to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, consecutive Rugby Championship titles and that memorable British & Irish Lions series win. Any player following him will inherit one of the most scrutinised leadership roles in the sport.
Jesse Kriel has gradually emerged as the leading candidate to take over the captaincy. The experienced centre has already worn the armband in several Tests, including matches against Italy, Australia and New Zealand during the 2025 Test season.
Equally significant is Erasmus’ repeated willingness to hand Kriel leadership responsibilities even when Kolisi has been available.
“Most of the times he’s vice-captain… Jessie has always been a pro,” Erasmus previously said.
At 32, Kriel brings a combination of experience, professionalism and outstanding fitness, while remaining one of the most respected figures in the dressing room. Although he is moving into the latter stages of his career, he is considered to be in peak physical condition and is viewed as the most natural candidate to take over the captaincy in the medium term.
Marx and Du Toit also in the frame
Malcolm Marx is another strong leadership option should SA Rugby seek a different profile of captain.
The World Rugby Player of the Year has been one of the Springboks’ most consistent performers, leading primarily through his actions rather than lengthy team talks. His relentless physicality, reliability at set-piece and influence across the field ensure he is among the first names on the team sheet.
With 89 Test caps, Marx possesses the experience and stature to guide South Africa into a new era if required.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, has similarly set the benchmark for commitment and professionalism over more than a decade at the top level.
He is regarded as one of the emotional leaders within the group, driving standards through his tireless work rate and uncompromising performances. Du Toit has already captained the Springboks in Kolisi’s absence, underlining the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
His age, however, is likely to be a factor in long-term planning. Du Toit will be 35 by the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, making him a shorter-term solution compared with Kriel or Marx.
Erasmus shaping a smooth transition
While neither a change of head coach nor captain is imminent, the groundwork for succession has been carefully laid.
Erasmus has consistently promoted shared leadership within his squad, ensuring multiple senior players are prepared to shoulder greater responsibility when required. At the same time, the current coaches have worked together over several seasons, creating a ready-made pathway for internal promotion when the time comes.
Whenever the baton is eventually passed, South African rugby appears well placed to move into its next chapter with a clear plan and experienced candidates in waiting – a legacy that may prove one of Erasmus’ most significant contributions to the Springboks.
