Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is on the cover of the new SA Rugby magazine, on sale this week.
Kolisi made history when he became the first black African to captain the Springbok Test team in 127 years.
The significance of Kolisi’s achievement was emphasised when it was nominated for the Laureus Sports Moment award for the month of June, with the organisation highlighting his rise from Zwide township in Port Elizabeth to international rugby.
The 27-year-old went on to captain the Boks to a 2-1 Test series win against England and played a prominent part in the come-from-behind wins.
In this issue of SA Rugby magazine, Kolisi talks to chief rugby writer Jon Cardinelli about his ‘really tough’ first week as captain, the ‘emotional’ moment when he ran on to the field at Ellis Park and the ‘special’ Test in Bloemfontein, which was Beast Mtawarira’s 100th.
Also in the new issue:
– Japan-bound Duane Vermeulen showed in the Test series against England why he must feature prominently in Rassie Erasmus’ plans in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup
– S’bu Nkosi was a standout performer for the Springboks against England in June, but for the talented wing, this is just the beginning
– Our Springbok report card after the 2-1 Test series win against England, looking at key areas of the game
– John Plumtree column: The Springboks have shown some positive signs under Rassie Erasmus
– A change of mindset has made All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith a better player and person
– Former Lions coach Johan Ackermann is establishing a new pride at Gloucester
– With the Lions set to lose several key players to overseas clubs at the end of this Super Rugby season, coach Swys de Bruin looks at the youngsters he will need to step up in 2019
– The Blitzboks’ consistency and player depth saw them retain the World Rugby Sevens Series title
– In an extract from his book Sevens Heaven, former Fiji coach Ben Ryan reflects on the final against Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games
– Wandisile Simelane appeared destined to become a professional soccer player until fate intervened
– Don Armand was snubbed by England coach Eddie Jones for the recent tour of South Africa despite having an excellent campaign for the Exeter Chiefs
– Hoërskool Transvalia in Vanderbijlpark is among South Africa’s top-ranked rugby schools this year
– The annual fixture between Paul Roos and Grey College is always fiercely contested
PLUS: Akona Ndungane‘s Perfect XV | Q&A with Craig Joubert | Inside the mind of Nic Groom | Who knows Lwazi Mvovo better, wife or teammate? | Future Star | Club Star
