André Esterhuizen Questions Shut Down As Springboks Prepare for Wallabies Clash
- André Esterhuizen will lead the Springboks in a Perth Test that has attracted attention beyond the rugby field
- Questions surrounding a 2012 school rugby disciplinary matter resurfaced days before his first match as captain
- Springbok officials have made it clear where they want the focus to remain ahead of Sunday's Wallabies clash
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Source: Getty Images
André Esterhuizen will captain the Springboks for the first time against Australia in Perth on Sunday, but questions about a racial incident from his schoolboy days resurfaced before the Test.
The 32-year-old was named South Africa's 68th Test captain on 22 September 2026 as coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting side. The decision came as regular leaders Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jesse Kriel were left out.
The controversy relates to an incident in 2012, when Esterhuizen was 18 and playing for Klerksdorp High School against Potchefstroom Gymnasium. A Leopards Rugby Union disciplinary panel later found him guilty of misconduct involving a racial slur directed at Thabo Molete.
Springboks set boundaries at press conference
At Saturday's media conference, Springbok media manager Zeena Isaacs told journalists to keep questions focused on Sunday's match.
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According to IOL, Isaacs said:
“We are not dealing with the issue of the articles that are going around on social media and all sorts of things, so can I ask that you please stick to the game.”
When a journalist attempted to ask Esterhuizen about the resurfaced reports, Isaacs intervened again and said the matter would not be addressed during the conference.
The 2012 disciplinary finding has also been reported by other South African publications following Esterhuizen's captaincy appointment.
Source: Getty Images
André Esterhuizen Embraces Springboks Captaincy
While the off-field questions were closed down, Esterhuizen spoke about the responsibility of leading the world champions.
“I’m taking it on as an honour, and I’m very happy about it, but ultimately, we’re all together as a team,” he said.
He also pointed to the influence of former captain Kolisi, whom he previously played alongside at the Sharks.
“Just to always see him composed and calm, doesn’t matter what the situation is, and obviously relying on the guys around him as well,” Esterhuizen said.
“He knows when to step back and when to step up.”
The Springboks will face the Wallabies at Optus Stadium on Sunday, 27 September, with kick-off scheduled for 11:45 South African time.
The captaincy forms part of Erasmus' wider effort to expand the team's leadership group ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Esterhuizen's captaincy debut will draw attention beyond Sunday's Test, as the 2012 incident continues to resurface in public discussion. The Springboks, meanwhile, have kept their attention on the Perth clash and the responsibilities facing their new captain.
André Esterhuizen's social media activity sparks fresh interest
Briefly News previously reported that Esterhuizen's elevation to Springboks captain had brought renewed attention to the disciplinary matter from his schoolboy rugby career.
The centre's social media activity later added another layer to the story. Esterhuizen liked several comments supporting him as criticism of his appointment circulated online.
The reported likes appeared to show Esterhuizen engaging with messages of support, although he did not use the posts to address the resurfaced controversy directly.
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Source: Briefly News
