Siya Kolisi has insisted he has no plans to retire from international rugby after missing the entire Nations Championship and seeing his future questioned by leading pundits.
Kolisi was ruled out of South Africa's Nations Championship campaign with a hamstring injury, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Paul de Villiers seized his opportunity in the famous green and gold jersey.
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The Stormers flanker impressed throughout the tournament, prompting former England fly-half Stuart Barnes to wonder whether Springbok fans had seen "the end of Siya Kolisi as Springboks captain."
"Have we seen the end of Siya Kolisi as Springboks captain? A giant of the game, an all-time great, but all good things come to pass," Barnes said on The Ruck podcast after De Villiers' performances.
However, Kolisi has now made it abundantly clear that retirement is the last thing on his mind.
Kolisi targeting 2027 Rugby World Cup
The double Rugby World Cup-winning captain will be 36 by the time the 2027 tournament begins in Australia, but insists his body is still capable of competing at the highest level.
"My body feels good," Kolisi told reporters.
"It's all about seeing how it goes year by year and game by game. But that is the end goal. I still want to be there."
Should Kolisi make it to Australia, he would have the chance to make history by becoming the first men's captain to lead his country to three consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.
Rassie Erasmus backs experience
Kolisi also revealed that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has repeatedly told senior players that selection will be based on performance rather than age.
"Coach Rassie has made it clear that you can be 36, but if you are the fittest 36-year-old, that's all that you need," Kolisi said.
"I don't need to be the fittest out of everyone. It's all about what I can do and produce on the field.
"If I still feel as good as I feel today, I think I'll be there because of the coaching and conditioning staff and medical teams."
Kolisi's comments are a direct response to the growing debate over his future. While De Villiers enhanced his reputation during the Nations Championship and some believe a changing of the guard is underway, the Springboks skipper has made one thing crystal clear — he still intends to lead South Africa's charge towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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