South Africans will continue to star for overseas teams, but there is a promising sign of established Springboks and leading players returning to the Republic, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane discusses SA talent excelling worldwide, while highlighting Steven Kitshoff’s decision to rejoin the DHL Stormers next season after a stint with Irish giants Ulster.
He credits the former skipper’s return to a sense of loyalty and a shared team DNA fostered by key figures like director of rugby John Dobson, who played a pivotal role in playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s recent extension with the Stormers until 2027.
Keohane also praises the approach of Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, who prioritised selecting a Bok squad that aligned with a national DNA, leading to consecutive World Cup victories.
MORE: Kitshoff driven by World Cup hat-trick
He suggests that this identity is crucial for South African rugby, particularly after a period of Super Rugby participation. Keohane, too, applauds the return of former players like Daan Human, now employed as the Bok scrum coach.
“‘There is a South African team of players overseas that would strengthen our rugby. It is time to put a system in place that lures these players back and ensures our players in their late 20s don’t do a runner.’ I wrote this on the 8th March, 2006. It could have been written yesterday,” he writes.
“Fast forward to 2024 and the column written in 2006 would not be out of place. South African born and raised players represent other countries and there are numerous South Africans starring for overseas clubs across the globe.
“Half the Boks 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning squads were based overseas at the time of winning back-to-back World Cups.
“What is changing is the quality of established Springbok and South African players returning to South Africa and the number of brilliant young South African players who have signed to South Africa’s Vodacom URC quartet.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
