Siya Kolisi rules out coaching after retirement from rugby

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has said he will not become a coach when his playing career ends. Briefly News reported that the 35-year-old made the comment in a conversation with Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus for Smash Sports, part of a series titled From Zwide to World Champion. Briefly News attributed the original report to Ruck.

A half-time exit from the coaches’ box

Kolisi said a Springboks game against Argentina changed how he sees the job. He watched it from the coaches’ box, which showed him the pressure Erasmus and his staff carry on match day. He left at half-time, which suggests how uncomfortable he found the experience.

Coaching is off the table, but Kolisi has not closed the door on every role in the game. He has not ruled out working in rugby management. He has also spoken before about carrying on with his foundation and moving into business once he hangs up his boots.

The next target is the 2027 World Cup

Kolisi admitted that retirement is starting to cross his mind. For now, though, he intends to keep playing for as long as his body allows him to compete at the highest level. His immediate goal is the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

He captained South Africa to the world title in 2019 and again in 2023. If the Springboks win in 2027 under his leadership, he would become the first captain in the men’s game to lift the trophy three times in a row.

No date has been set for his retirement. Kolisi also returned to the Stormers earlier this year, a move the Cape Town franchise confirmed publicly.

What to watch for

Supporters should note a few points from the interview:

• Kolisi says he will not coach after his playing days.
• A management role has not been ruled out.
• His foundation work and business interests are expected to continue.
• The 2027 World Cup in Australia is his main goal, and no retirement date has been announced.

This story is based on reporting by Briefly News.