Springbok captain Siya Kolisi stood down with immediate effect

Monday, 06 July 2026 at 12:22

bySteven Smith

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has been ruled out of Saturday’s Nations Championship clash with Scotland as the Springboks deal with a growing injury list.

The double world champions have confirmed that seven players remain unavailable for selection due to their respective injury concerns, forcing Rassie Erasmus to shuffle his pack for the showdown in Pretoria.

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Kolisi was a dramatic late withdrawal before South Africa’s 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park after suffering a hamstring strain during Friday’s captain’s run.

The Springbok skipper attempted to prove his fitness during the warm-up but was eventually withdrawn from the side, with Pieter-Steph du Toit taking over the captaincy. Kolisi was subsequently sent for scans to determine the severity of the problem.

Erasmus revealed after the England match that a grade-one strain could take around 10 days to recover from, while a grade-two issue would keep Kolisi sidelined for longer.

Du Toit will now continue as captain against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld.

Springboks injury list

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Siya Kolisi — hamstring

The Springbok captain suffered the injury during the captain’s run on the eve of the England Test. He tried to prove his fitness before kick-off but was eventually withdrawn. Kolisi has now been ruled out of the Scotland match.

Eben Etzebeth — head knock

The veteran lock was another late withdrawal against England after suffering a blow to the head in training earlier in the week and displaying concussion symptoms. Erasmus initially suggested Etzebeth could recover in time for Scotland, but he remains unavailable for selection.

Lood de Jager — unspecified injury

De Jager was already unavailable for the England Test. Erasmus had suggested the experienced lock could potentially return against Scotland, but he has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection.

Franco Mostert — unspecified injury

The versatile forward remains sidelined and was previously described by Erasmus as being around two weeks away from a return. He will miss the Scotland clash.

Ox Nche — knee

Nche was forced off early in the victory over England after suffering a knee injury. Erasmus immediately admitted the problem “did not look good”, explaining that it was concerning when a player as tough as the prop said he could not continue.

André Esterhuizen — concussion

The powerful centre, who has also been used as a flanker by the Springboks, suffered a head knock after coming on against England. Erasmus confirmed after the match that Esterhuizen had suffered a concussion and would need further assessment.

Ethan Hooker — unspecified niggle

The versatile back also remains unavailable for selection. South Africa have not publicly disclosed the exact nature of Hooker’s injury.

Ten changes for Scotland

With several senior players unavailable, Erasmus has made 10 changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s clash with Scotland.

Only Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Paul de Villiers and Ruan Nortje retain their places in the starting line-up from the victory over England.

Du Toit will captain the world champions for the second successive weekend.

HIGHEST-PAID SPRINGBOKS

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.