Exclusive interviews with Cheslin Kolbe and Siya Kolisi headline the latest issue of SA Rugby magazine, which is now on sale.
At this time last year, massive uncertainty faced the game. The 2020 Super Rugby season was indefinitely suspended in mid-March, and since then, there have been seismic shifts in the rugby landscape.
In that context, it remains hugely encouraging to write this editor’s letter at a time when the local preparation season for the Rainbow Cup is well under way after the conclusion of the Currie Cup earlier this year. Domestic tournaments in Australia and New Zealand also kicked off recently, while competitions throughout the northern hemisphere have offered plenty of action.
The Six Nations series has offered some compelling viewing on the international front, while the Springboks’ highly anticipated series against the British & Irish Lions looms ever larger.
It means there has been plenty to unpack, and in this issue we caught up with ever-popular Cheslin Kolbe for our cover story. Despite the fact the Boks have not played any rugby since the 2019 World Cup, he is one player who has maintained top form for French club Toulouse. He opens up about his upbringing and the challenges he has overcome on the path to Springbok stardom.
In another exclusive interview, Bok captain Siya Kolisi shares more details on why he has undertaken the decisive career move to the Sharks].
The comeback of Cornal Hendricks at the Bulls is another inspirational story in this issue, while the interview with teammate Sintu Manjezi and Lions counterpart Hacjivah Dayimani are also not to be missed.
We also found out more about former Cheetahs loose forward Jasper Wiese, who has been a standout performer overseas, while on the international front we take a closer look at Duhan van der Merwe’s continued rise to prominence in Scotland, as well as the code switch of New Zealand rugby league star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
On a final note, our Q&A with retired Springbok legend JP Pietersen is a must-read.
We hope you enjoy this latest issue, and as always, stay safe!
– Craig Lewis
