‘I’ve never thought about that, I was focused on the World Cup’

Despite becoming the first captain to lead Springboks to two successive World Cups, Siya Kolisi has not made up his mind as to whether to step aside from the captaincy.

In the Stade de France final on Saturday, the Springboks defeated rivals New Zealand 12–11 to win back-to-back titles under Kolisi’s leadership.

With the win, South Africa achieved a record-tying fourth Webb Ellis title, and Kolisi became the only captain to have led both his country and the All Blacks to consecutive World Cups, along with Richie McCaw.

When the next event occurs in Australia in 2027, Kolisi, 32, will be 36 years old.

To be honest, I’ve never given that much thought. The Springboks captain is huge, especially for the country, and that was the most important thing to focus on,” Kolisi told the media following their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday.

“I only got a small role to play within the team. We are all leaders in the group and we are all in charge of the game.

“I believe that the boys will always support the Springboks captain, and it will fit like a glove.But I’m content as long as I’m wearing the Springbok jersey.”

Following his hero’s welcome with the team yesterday, Kolisi urged the nation to support the Proteas in India as they compete in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.

Today’s matchup between the Proteas and New Zealand will determine whether they advance to the semifinals.

“It is obvious that the Proteas are in India, and they give us great pride. They are putting on their best fight. We have received supportive messages from them,” Kolisi remarked.

“I just want to really encourage the nation to actually get behind Temba [Bavuma] and the team as much as they were behind us.

“They have been demonstrating that they truly deserve our support. They are about to embark on an unprecedented endeavor.

Therefore, we need to help them now more than ever. How well they have been playing is evident. Let’s support them. We have provided them with some inspiration to work with.

“Temba and the team, we’re behind you. Imagine if they can too. Guys, you are appreciated and loved by us.”

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After conflicting reports from the media, Kolisi defends his teammate, saying, “He’s not that kind of person.”

REACTION: Following Saturday’s World Cup Final in Saint-Denis, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi wants the world to know that Jordie Barrett did, in fact, shake President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hand.

Video footage from Saturday’s medal ceremony has been making the rounds on social media. It appears to show Barrett ignoring the South African president as he accepts his silver medal.

However, after the Bok team returned home after winning the World Cup, Kolisi clarified matters at a press conference at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

Kolisi stated, “There was a video about Jordie Barrett that went viral on TikTok after the game, and someone believes that he didn’t shake the president’s hand.”

“People have been harsh on him and he has been receiving negative press.”

It’s difficult to lose a World Cup Final, and it’s clear that receiving such unfavorable coverage is bad.

“I have personal knowledge of him, and he is not that type of person. Probably after he shook hands, someone took the video.

“He shook the president’s hand, and we would like to express our unwavering support for him. Both New Zealand and we hold each other in high regard. So please, let’s just enjoy ourselves.

“There is no greater feeling than losing a game and then receiving these kinds of notifications.”

“It’s been extremely difficult for him, the team, and his family, but we are all behind him as a South African team.”

So, if you can [aimed at the media], please know that he did shake the president’s hand.

Kolisi saw this as confirmation of their purpose in France as thousands of supporters flocked to the airport to welcome the Boks home.

“South Africa proved to us exactly who we accomplished it for on Tuesday,” a jubilant Kolisi declared.

“We would like to thank the people of South Africa on behalf of the team. Although the last 20 weeks were difficult, four years of planning went into it.

“When we won the World Cup in 2019, our supporters expected us to win, but they didn’t think we would. Instead, they were optimistic because the tournament was always scheduled for 2023. However, things changed and we emerged victorious in 2019.”

“This was a win for all South Africans, not just us players, and we proved what this diverse team is capable of.”

“The coaching staff knew how to align us as a group,” Kolisi continued. This trophy was intended to honor those going through difficult times, as well as residents of Zwide, Goodwood, Malmesbury, and all other towns and villages. It was also intended to honor the more affluent and those who aspire to succeed in life.

As a team, we hope to inspire hope in our people by serving as a model for them, demonstrating our ability to accomplish goals.

It was also crucial for us to change while triumphing. However, we would also like this to go beyond sports, current events in South Africa, and people’s outlook on the future.

“We can inspire and give hope to people even though we may not be able to change their circumstances.”