Rugby
Exclusive: Matt Proudfoot on Boks’ 2027 Chances, Kitshoff’s Retirement, and England’s Durability Issues
As South Africa gears up for the 2025 international season, former coach Matt Proudfoot believes the Springboks have the depth and experience to defend their title, despite the retirement of Steven Kitshoff. He also highlights the need for player welfare post-retirement. Proudfoot also discusses the potential of Jan-Hendrik Wessels as South Africa's next great hooker and raises concerns about England's Maro Itoje's durability.
South Africa Training Session and Press Conference by Gallo Images | Getty Images
With the 2025 international season fast approaching, anticipation is building around who Rassie Erasmus will select for his first squad.
South African players are currently based all over the globe, and the challenge of assembling a squad that balances youth, experience, and fitness will be key in the lead-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
One man who believes the Springboks are well-positioned for another global triumph is former South Africa and England scrum coach, Matt Proudfoot.
Veteran Presence Still Vital
Speaking about the longevity of key players, Proudfoot was bullish on the potential for South Africa’s senior statesmen to make it to the next World Cup.
“There is a group of Springbok players coming to the back end of their international careers. Guys like Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, and Siya Kolisi will all be 36 in 2027. But I definitely think they can make it through," Proudfoot told SportsBoom.co.za.
Proudfoot expects Erasmus to once again cast a wide net in 2025.
“They had 50 Springboks last year, and I think they’ll have 50 again this year. The upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia are important, but not as intense as playing the All Blacks. That gives Rassie the room to rotate and rest the veterans for The Rugby Championship.”
“Australia will be beat up after the British and Irish Lions tour and will be ripe for the picking,” he added.
“Rassie will manage the experienced players this year, and next year the focus will shift to building toward the World Cup. Most of those older players will probably retire after that.”
Confident in the squad’s depth and experience, Proudfoot didn’t hesitate: “If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on the Boks to win again. They’ve got the experience, they’re playing well, and they’ve got the depth. There’s no reason they shouldn’t win.”
Kitshoff’s Career-Ending Injury Sparks Bigger Questions
The Springboks were dealt a blow with the premature retirement of prop Steven Kitshoff, following a serious neck injury. Proudfoot reflected on the gravity of the situation and the broader implications for player welfare.
“I feel for the young man. I spoke to him yesterday. He’s the poster boy for what we need to do for players after retirement,” Proudfoot said.
“There’s still a lot to be done on that front on how to help players manage life after rugby.”
He emphasized the mental and financial toll that sudden retirement can take.
“There are a lot of mental health issues. Players go from earning a lot to a third of that overnight. Hopefully, this tragedy can spark action around better support systems for retired players.”
Wessels: South Africa’s Next Great Hooker?
With Kitshoff’s departure, attention has turned to Bulls standout Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Capable at both hooker and loosehead prop, his versatility has caught Erasmus’s eye. Proudfoot sees his future in the No. 2 jersey.
“I’ve been asked before, and I’d play him at hooker. If you look at Bismarck du Plessis and Malcolm Marx, South Africa’s always done well with big, physical hookers,” he said.
“With Bongi Mbonambi nearing retirement, no one is really putting up their hand yet. We have enough good props. I’d prepare Wessels as a hooker.”
Itoje's Durability a Red Flag for England
Turning his attention to England, Proudfoot. Who worked closely with their squad, raised concerns about the workload of star lock Maro Itoje, who continues to play almost every match for club and country.
“Itoje’s consistency is impressive, but it’s not sustainable,” Proudfoot warned.
“They [England] don’t have the depth we have. Their core group is 28 to 32 players, while ours is 34 and up. That allows us to manage players better.”
He believes England will be in a similar position to South Africa with squad depth in the next World Cup cycle.
“They’ll be in the Springboks’ position next cycle. South Africa needs to stay ahead of that curve by properly managing its players for the next World Cup.”
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.