Siya Kolisi makes retirement decision ahead of Rugby World Cup

Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 15:35

bySteven Smith

Siya Kolisi has admitted retirement is beginning to cross his mind, with the legendary Springboks captain revealing he already knows the end of his playing career is getting closer.

The latest update comes as Kolisi enters the latter stages of his remarkable career, with the 35-year-old also set to miss the opening Test of the Springboks’ four-match series against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Kolisi has been managing a hamstring problem suffered during South Africa’s 17-10 victory over Argentina earlier this month. Although Rassie Erasmus confirmed the skipper trained well and could have been selected, the Bok boss has instead opted for Paul de Villiers, with Pieter-Steph du Toit captaining the side.

Saturday begins a huge four-Test run against New Zealand, with further meetings in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore on successive weekends.

The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning skipper, now 35, remains one of Rassie Erasmus' most trusted leaders and continues to play a pivotal role for South Africa as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking during the

From Zwide to World Champion interview with Erasmus for Smash Sports, Kolisi reflected on life after rugby and made one thing crystal clear – coaching won't be part of his future.

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"I will not be able to coach. No way," Kolisi admitted.

"I sat once in his box, I was like, 'Never'. I left it at half-time. I couldn't."

The Springbok captain explained that spending time in the coaches' box gave him a completely different perspective on the game.

"I also understand when they tell us stuff, what they see. I sat there against Argentina and I saw exactly what they see and it's crazy.

"I would go crazy (as a coach). I couldn't, I wouldn't. I would be a manager maybe… I wouldn't be able to coach because some of the stuff I saw when I was watching I would go crazy to keep on saying the same thing over and over."

Kolisi made his Springboks debut in 2013 before becoming captain when Erasmus took charge in 2018. Since then, he has led South Africa to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023, cementing his place among the greatest captains the game has seen.

Despite acknowledging retirement is no longer a distant thought, Kolisi insists he is focused solely on getting the best out of himself at this stage of his career.

"I'm slowly thinking about it, but I don't really because my focus is I still want to play until my body," he said.

"I had a conversation with coach, and he said you don't compare yourself to when you're young. Try and be the best you can at the age that you're at.

"And when I can't (play) anymore, I'll know, and he will know too."

While the end of his career will be emotional, Kolisi says he is determined to leave rugby knowing he gave everything to the Springbok jersey.

"That day will come and it will suck. Yes, it will hurt, but at least I know I can sleep on the fact that I gave everything while I had the opportunity."

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The Highest-Paid Springboks in 2026 (Ranked 10-1)

10. Lood de Jager (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £450,000–£600,000

After overcoming a series of injury setbacks, De Jager has re-established himself as one of the world's premier locks. His lineout expertise, experience and leadership make him a prized asset for both the Wild Knights and the Springboks.

9. Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners) – Estimated £500,000–£600,000

Libbok's move to Japan significantly increased his earning power. The gifted fly-half remains one of rugby's most exciting attacking talents and is among the latest Springboks to benefit from League One's financial strength.

8. Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls) – Estimated £600,000–£650,000

The double Rugby World Cup-winning fly-half returned to South Africa in one of the biggest deals in the country's professional era. While he turned down the opportunity to remain overseas, his Bulls package still ranks among the richest in the URC.

7. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – Estimated £600,000–£750,000

A consistent performer for club and country, Kriel has become one of Japan's most respected overseas stars. His versatility across the backline and leadership qualities have helped secure one of the league's most valuable contracts.

6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – Estimated £700,000–£850,000

A two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, Du Toit remains one of the sport's biggest names. His relentless work rate and world-class pedigree ensure he continues to command one of rugby's most lucrative contracts.

5. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £770,000

The most-capped Springbok in history remains the cornerstone of the Sharks pack. His combination of club earnings and national support keeps him among the highest-paid players in South African rugby.

4. Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – Estimated £775,000

The Springbok captain returned to Durban on a bumper deal after his spell in France. Combined with his immense commercial value and sponsorship appeal, Kolisi remains one of the biggest earners in the global game.

3. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – Estimated £800,000–£900,000

Widely regarded as the best hooker in world rugby, Marx continues to be one of Japan Rugby League One's marquee signings. His dominance at the set-piece and breakdown has made him one of the highest-paid forwards in the sport.

2. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights) – Estimated £850,000–£950,000

The powerful centre has been a standout performer in Japan for several seasons. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and one of the world's most complete midfielders, De Allende is believed to be among the competition's top earners.

1. Faf de Klerk (Free State Cheetahs) – Previously reported at around £900,000 in Japan

Before returning to South Africa in 2026, De Klerk was widely regarded as one of the highest-paid players in world rugby thanks to his lucrative deal with Yokohama Canon Eagles. While his move back to the Cheetahs is believed to have involved a significant pay cut, his previous contract remains one of the richest ever awarded to a Springbok.