All good things must come to an end. This message holds true for a number of current Springboks legends.
The Springboks have dominated World Rugby for some time now.
They rightfully sit on top of the latest World Rugby rankings as the reigning and defending Rugby World Cup champions, Rugby Championship winners, British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa series winners and holders of the Freedom Cup and Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate.
So, which legendary careers are coming to an end – and which rising stars will step into their boots?
A DOZEN BOKS ENTER THE LATTER STAGES OF THEIR CAREERS
Frans Malherbe (34), Vincent Koch (35), Lood de Jager (32), Franco Mostert (34), Siya Kolisi (33), Pieter-Steph du Toit (33), Deon Fourie (39), Faf de Klerk (34), Cobus Reinach (36), Handre Pollard (31), Makazole Mapimpi (34) and Willie le Roux (36) are all entering the latter stages of their iconic Springboks careers.
For most of them, the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be their last World Cup. For some, things could even end a little sooner.
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BOK VETERANS BEING ‘PHASED OUT’
During the 2025 Test season the likes of Le Roux, Mapimpi, De Klerk and Koch were all dropped from the match-day 23 on several occasions despite being fit and available for selection.
This is a clear indication that these players are being phased out.
Rassie Erasmus instead opted for the likes of Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Reinach, Grant Williams, Morne van den Berg, Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw.
This was a clear indication of Erasmus’s long-term thinking.
A NEW ERA OF BOK RUGBY BECKONS
Meanwhile, Springbok captain Kolisi, two-time World Rugby Player of The Year winner Du Toit and Reinach all continue to feature prominently.
However, they are all entering the latter stages of their careers.
Our captain will be 36 at the next World Cup, while Du Toit will be 35 and Reinach will be 37. For these Springbok veterans, the 2027 Rugby World Cup is likely to be their last.
Rassie Erasmus and his fellow national selectors must start preparing, as they have been, for the new era of Springbok rugby.
SERIOUS INJURIES PLACE CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY OVER LEGENDARY BOK CAREERS
Malherbe and Fourie missed the entire 2025 Test season due to injury.
In fact, the veteran prop Malherbe almost retired, but he is now back in training with the Stormers, suggesting he is on the mend.
Malherbe was on the brink of returning to action before he tore his bicep in training and considered retiring.
While, Fourie is also on the mend, he will be 41 come the next Rugby World Cup. So there is little doubt he will not feature in that squad and his green and gold playing days are certainly numbered.
LOOD AND FAF RULED OUT OF THE SEASON WITH SERIOUS INJURIES
More recently, Lood de Jager and Faf de Klerk were deregistered by their respective clubs in the Japan Rugby League One after both picked up long-term injuries.
For De Jager it seems he cannot catch a break, with injuries ravaging the latter stages of his career.
Meanwhile, de Klerk was not selected even when fit.
Which of the aforementioned dozen Springboks will be most missed when they do retire?
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