World Rugby Raises Concern Amid Ongoing Springboks’ Injury Issues Ahead of the 2026 Season
- World Rugby has raised concerns over the schedule amid the Springboks recent injury issues, with top players ruled out of action
- In recent weeks, the Springboks have had loads of injury issues, with their captain, Siya Kolisi, also being on the list
- World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin comments on the Springboks' injury while admitting the schedule is not sustainable for South African players
The Springboks have suffered major injury setbacks in recent weeks, with fullback Aphelele Fassi being sidelined for several months following shoulder surgery.
RG Snyman has now joined the 28-year-old rugby star on the list of long-term absentees, after it was disclosed earlier this week that the Rugby World Cup winner suffered a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.
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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is another major concern for Rassie Erasmus, having picked up a calf strain. His return date remains uncertain, with the Sharks currently assessing his condition on a week-to-week basis.
A growing number of Springboks have been battling injuries lately. Pieter-Steph du Toit is presently in recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery, while Lood de Jager has remained in South Africa as he continues rehabilitation from a hip operation.
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Fellow World Cup winner Frans Malherbe is also dealing with ongoing back and neck problems, leaving his playing future unclear, and the list of sidelined players continues to grow.
Relentless schedule taking toll on Springboks stars
Injuries are part of rugby, but despite that being a fact, it has become increasingly evident that the near 11-month playing calendar is placing excessive strain on elite South African players. Many are required to juggle domestic commitments in the northern hemisphere alongside international duties, including participation in the Rugby Championship.
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has acknowledged that establishing a more balanced global calendar is now essential, particularly when it comes to safeguarding player welfare.
“Players must remain central to these discussions. For South African players competing in Europe while also representing the Springboks in international tournaments such as the Rugby Championship, the reality is an 11-month season, and that simply isn’t sustainable at the current intensity of the game.”
Gilpin speaks on solution to relentless schedule
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has consistently advocated for better alignment between the northern and southern hemisphere rugby calendars, although a unified global schedule still appears some distance away.
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“We need to work towards practical solutions, and there’s strong awareness of that. Fans, too, are calling for greater alignment and a more streamlined global calendar,” Gilpin explained.
“There have been constructive discussions, but more progress is required. From a World Rugby standpoint, we aim to continue acting as both a facilitator and a driving force in these conversations, as we have done over the years, bringing key stakeholders together.
“There is a clear commitment to keep exploring solutions, which is a very positive sign.”
Erasmus expresses confidence in squad depth
Briefly News also reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus is confident in the team’s fly-half stocks, a position that once caused headaches ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The coach reportedly said he was satisfied with the current depth, noting that the players offer flexibility depending on the game plan the team wants to implement.
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Source: Briefly News
