As the Springboks continue to plot and plan the path towards the 2027 World Cup, it’s clear that coach Rassie Erasmus is looking to carefully manage the game-time of numerous stalwarts.

A major plus point for the Springboks’ title defence is the fact that most of the 2023 squad should still be available for selection, but some players will be heading into the twilight of their careers.

In fact, there are a few players from the World Cup-winning squad in France who may bring their international careers to an end this year.

Which World Cup-winning players may be hanging up their Springbok boots?

There is no doubt that Trevor Nyakane has been one of the Springboks’ most popular and influential props of all time. The big man has featured in 68 Tests, while forming part of the successful World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, as well as the series triumph over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.

However, it was revealing that the 35-year-old only featured in the one-off Test against Portugal last year, with the Springboks clearly beginning to explore their other options.

The Springboks know what they have in Nyakane, and he offers an experienced ‘insurance policy’ if there are injuries up front, but there is also a very good chance that we may have already seen the last of the affable front rower in the green and gold, which is a rather sad prospect.

Deon Fourie also played a key role for the Springboks at the last World Cup, but considering that Stormers veteran will be 41-years-old at the next global tournament, it’s understandable that the national coaches are unlikely to consider him as a current contender for a recall to the Test stage.

The veteran utility forward recently did make a noteworthy comeback from a serious injury, but it’s likely he will bring the curtain down on his memorable career at the Stormers, rather than with the Springboks.

Meanwhile, it’s common knowledge that the career of Steven Kitshoff hangs in the balance due to a serious neck injury has threatened to force the influential prop into early retirement.

Although the 32-year-old has indicated a desire to make a return to action, it is all dependent on how his recovery goes and the feedback from medical specialists. However, it does sadly seem that the likelihood is that he may have no other option but to hang up his boots.

It’s also going to be a really sad day when popular wing Makazole Mapimpi calls time on his Springbok career, but the fact of the matter is that he will be turning 35-years-old in July.

Mapimpi himself has admitted that he is unlikely to make it through to the next World Cup, and so this season could quite possibly be the final one with the Springboks before they begin to narrow down the focus on only the players who will be going to the 2027 global showpiece.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/which-world-cup-winners-might-retire-from-springboks-in-2025/