Siya Kolisi makes retirement decision ahead of the Rugby World Cup

Friday, 03 July 2026 at 08:11

byRugby Rucker

Siya Kolisi has made a major decision over his playing future as the Springboks captain targets a historic third straight Rugby World Cup triumph.

The South Africa icon has no plans to walk away from international rugby and has revealed he wants to continue all the way through to the 2027 tournament in Australia.

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Kolisi, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023, will be 36 by the time the next tournament comes around.

However, the inspirational flanker insists age will not stand in his way.

“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 opportunity to achieve something never before seen in the men’s game — captaining his country to three consecutive Rugby World Cup titles.

Kolisi responds to age concerns

Kolisi also revealed that Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that players will continue to be selected 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,” he 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 make his intentions clear: retirement is not on the agenda, and the Springboks captain has one more huge goal left in his remarkable career.

The highest-paid Springboks (Ranked 6-1)

This list breaks down the highest paid Springboks, highlighting their clubs, impact on the game, and what sets them apart financially and on the pitch.

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6 Damian de Allende (£460,000 – Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

A model of consistency in the Springbok midfield, Damian de Allende has been well rewarded since moving to Japan. Comfortable at centre and occasionally on the wing, his powerful running and defensive reliability make him a key asset wherever he plays.

De Allende was part of South Africa’s historic World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, placing him among the elite group of players to have lifted the trophy twice. His contract with Panasonic Wild Knights reflects both his experience at the highest level and his enduring value to the Springbok setup.

5 Handré Pollard (600,000 – Vodacom Bulls, South Africa)

Still regarded as one of the world’s premier fly-halves, Handré Pollard commands a salary befitting his reputation. Although he accepted a pay cut during his time at Leicester Tigers, he remained among rugby’s top earners before returning to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

Pollard famously started in the 2019 World Cup final victory, where he also featured at inside centre, underlining his tactical importance to the Springboks. With spells in Japan, France, England and South Africa, he is one of a select group of players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.

4 Eben Etzebeth (£770,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s towering lock and one of the most feared forwards in world rugby, Eben Etzebeth earns a reported annual salary of around R18 million (roughly £770,000) with the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. This places him among the top-paid players in South African domestic rugby, reflecting his value as a dominant second-row presence and cornerstone of the Sharks pack.

Having previously starred for the Stormers, had a lucrative stint with Toulon, and now anchoring Durban’s engine room, Etzebeth combines raw physicality with experience and consistency. A two-time Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa’s most capped player, his influence extends beyond mere salary figures — his role in the Springboks’ forward dominance is pivotal.

Etzebeth’s earnings illustrate both his on-field impact and the financial realities of South African rugby: lower relative to some overseas contracts, but still significant within the domestic game.

3 Siya Kolisi (£775,000 – Hollywoodbets Sharks, South Africa)

South Africa’s inspirational captain and two-time World Cup winner, Siya Kolisi combines leadership, influence and star appeal, earning around £775,000 per year with the Sharks. Having previously represented the Stormers and Racing 92, Kolisi now anchors Durban’s franchise as a dynamic flanker and loose forward.

Appointed Springbok captain in 2018, he became the first black player to hold the role, later leading South Africa to World Cup glory in both 2019 and 2023. His salary reflects not only his on-field impact but his significance to South African rugby as a whole.

2 Faf de Klerk (£900,000 – Yokohama Canon Eagles, Japan)

Renowned for his fiery competitiveness and tireless work rate, Faf de Klerk continues to capitalise on his global popularity in Japan. The Springbok scrum-half earns close to £900,000 with Yokohama Canon Eagles, making him one of the highest-paid players in League One.

A key figure in South Africa’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, de Klerk remains in demand, with rumours linking him to a return to Sale Sharks. However, salary cap restrictions could prevent him from matching his current earnings.

1 Cheslin Kolbe (£930,000 – Tokyo Sungoliath, Japan)

At the top of the list is Cheslin Kolbe, whose breathtaking footwork and match-winning flair have made him the highest-paid player in Japan Rugby League One. Earning an estimated £930,000 with Tokyo Sungoliath, Kolbe has redefined attacking rugby with his ability to influence games from wing, fullback and even fly-half.

A two-time World Cup winner with South Africa, he has also enjoyed success across club rugby in France and South Africa, collecting domestic and European honours along the way. Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Kolbe’s salary places him among the highest earners in world rugby.

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