Share

9 players of colour in Bok RWC squad

Cape Town - Transformation was no doubt the biggest talking point in the build-up to the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad announcement.

Coach Heyneke Meyer was under pressure to meet transformation requirements and according to SARU’s strategic transformation plan, the “target” for this year’s World Cup was 30% players of colour.

Whether it was a target or a specific requirement, there’s no doubt the Bok coach had to consider the transformation requirements when naming his squad.

Meyer named Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Siya Kolisi, Zane Kirchner, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Lwazi Mvovo, Damian de Allende and Rudy Paige as players of colour in his squad for the showpiece event in England and Wales.

That adds up to 9* players which meets the 30% requirement.

The Boks start their World Cup campaign against Japan in Brighton on September 19.

Their second pool game is on September 26 against Samoa in Birmingham, before Tests against Scotland in Newcastle on October 3 and the USA in London on October 7.

Springbok squad:

Forwards

Willem Alberts, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Lood de Jager, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Frans Malherbe, Victor Matfield (vice-captain), Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Adriaan Strauss, Duane Vermeulen

Backs

Jean de Villiers (captain), Damian de Allende, Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana, Zane Kirchner, Jesse Kriel, Pat Lambie, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, Rudy Paige, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Handre Pollard, Morne Steyn

*Despite recent media reports indicating otherwise, it has officially been confirmed to Sport24 that Damian de Allende is considered as a player of colour.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1122 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1292 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1988 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE