South Africa are building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but five familiar faces could be running out of time to save their international careers.
Rassie Erasmus has one of the deepest squads in world rugby, with younger players pushing established stars for places.
Several members of the Springboks' back-to-back World Cup-winning squads now face uncertain futures.
Age, injuries and growing competition could all influence who makes the trip to Australia next year.
Here are five Springboks who may have already played their final Test.
1. Willie le Roux – 37
Willie le Roux has been one of South Africa's most important players over the past decade.
The experienced full-back helped the Springboks win the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, providing creativity and leadership from the back.
However, at 37, time is running out for another appearance on rugby's biggest stage.
Damian Willemse and Aphelele Fassi offer Erasmus younger alternatives at full-back.
Le Roux will turn 38 before the 2027 tournament begins, making him one of the oldest players in contention for selection.
His experience could still prove valuable, but there are no guarantees he will feature again.
2. Makazole Mapimpi – 36
Makazole Mapimpi will always have a special place in Springboks history.
The winger scored South Africa's first try in a Rugby World Cup final during their famous 2019 victory over England.
He also helped the Boks retain the trophy four years later.
However, the 36-year-old has endured a difficult period.
In October 2025, Mapimpi received a five-match suspension following a dangerous tackle on Ulster full-back Michael Lowry.
The ban ruled him out of four Springboks internationals, although he was only on the standby list for the tour.
That suspension has since expired, but it represented another setback in his international career.
With Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe among the options available to Erasmus, competition remains fierce.
Mapimpi will be 37 when the 2027 World Cup begins.
3. Vincent Koch – 36
Vincent Koch has been a crucial member of South Africa's formidable forward pack.
The tighthead prop played his part in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, establishing himself as a reliable member of the famous Bomb Squad.
However, Koch's international future has become increasingly uncertain.
The 36-year-old was omitted from South Africa's Nations Championship squad earlier this year.
He subsequently joined the Barbarians alongside fellow World Cup winner Faf de Klerk.
Erasmus continues to assess younger front-row options, leaving Koch with a difficult route back into the squad.
He will be 37 at the next World Cup.
While his experience remains valuable, another international appearance is far from guaranteed.
4. Lukhanyo Am – 32
Lukhanyo Am is perhaps the most surprising name on this list.
At just 32, the outside centre is considerably younger than several of his fellow World Cup winners.
However, injuries and increased competition have complicated his international career.
Am was instrumental in South Africa's 2019 World Cup success, earning widespread praise for his defensive intelligence and attacking creativity.
He also featured in the wider squad that retained the trophy in 2023.
But Jesse Kriel has established himself as a key figure in the No.13 jersey, while Canan Moodie provides another exciting option.
Am will be 33 when the next World Cup begins.
Unlike some of the veterans on this list, age is not his biggest obstacle.
Instead, the question is whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the world's finest centres.
5. Faf de Klerk – 34
Faf de Klerk faces a crucial period in his international career.
The scrum-half was instrumental in South Africa's back-to-back World Cup victories, bringing aggression, energy and experience to the No.9 jersey.
However, the emergence of younger alternatives has made his position increasingly uncertain.
Grant Williams and Jaden Hendrikse have both pushed for opportunities, while Cobus Reinach remains another experienced option.
De Klerk was left out of the Nations Championship squad earlier this year, although he has also been involved in the Springboks setup during 2026.
His international ambitions remain alive, but securing a place at the 2027 World Cup will be a challenge.
De Klerk turns 35 on Monday, 19 October, and will be 35 when the tournament begins next year.
Whether Erasmus calls on his experience again remains to be seen.
