Schalk Brits revels in Bok captaincy after short-lived retirement
Schalk Brits will captain the Springboks from an unfamiliar position, just a little over a year after announcing his retirement from the game.
Schalk Brits has revealed that leading the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup was far from his mind when he was called out of retirement by coach, Rassie Erasmus.
The 38-year-old is the oldest member of the Bok squad currently in Japan, and will start in an unfamiliar position at number eight against Namibia on Saturday.
He has also been handed the captaincy, with regular skipper Siya Kolisi posed to come in from the bench.
Schalk Brits revels in unexpected Bok captaincy
Speaking ahead of the Pool B clash in Toyota, Brits recounted how he was unwinding on holiday – after announcing retirement from all forms of the game – when he got the call from the coach.
“When Rassie (Erasmus) spoke to me I was sipping cocktails in Ibiza,” said Brits.
“There was never any talk of captaincy – it was just an opportunity to be part of a group of players for which Rassie had a vision.
“It has been exciting to be part of this group. Most of the players I played with and against are now retired or commentating and for me it was a move to see how I can fit in with this younger generation of players.
“From my perspective, it’s unbelievable to see a group of players coming through and where we were 18 months ago and where are now – it’s an upward path. I still believe we can do wonders in this World Cup. We are a group that’s learning and learning quickly.”
Schalk Brits
New role in new-look loose trio for Bok skipper
Prior to his short-lived retirement, Brits had turned out for the Saracens in England, where he was solely used in his primary position of hooker.
However, he does have some experience in the back row, having made a few cameos there in Stormers colours.
“I played eight for the Stormers quite a bit before I moved to Saracens,” said Brits.
“I would start at hooker and then move to No 8 during the second half when the game began to open up, so from that perspective I haven’t played eighthman for a while.
“But I’m looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to playing with Kwagga and Francois in the loose trio – it’s probably the shortest loose trio in world rugby but we’re looking forward to it!”
Schalk Brits
The Springboks are third on the Pool B standings, without a point to their name, following defeat to the All Blacks on the opening weekend of the tournament.