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4w ago

Springboks Name André Esterhuizen Captain as Past Racial Slur Resurfaces

The appointment has prompted calls for accountability and criticism of SA Rugby’s decision to block media questions, testing the team’s leadership and public transparency.

Rugby Union - South Africa Captains Run - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - November 2, 2018 South Africa's Andre Esterhuizen during the captains run Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 22: Andre Esterhuizen of South Africa during the Castle Double Malt Greatest Rivalry Tour match between South Africa and New Zealand at 10bet Ellis Park on August 22, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Regular Springbok captain and former Sharks leader Siya Kolisi with André Esterhuizen, the current Sharks captain and 68th Springbok captain. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

Overview

  • Esterhuizen was confirmed as captain for the one-off Test against Australia in Perth on Sunday and will become South Africa’s 68th Test skipper.
  • Journalists at the Springboks’ pre-match media conference were told not to ask about a 2012 schoolboy incident in which Esterhuizen was found guilty of directing a racial slur.
  • SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said the governing body will issue a separate statement on the resurfaced incident, a move that drew criticism for limiting on-the-record answers.
  • Public reaction has split, with broadcaster Anele Mdoda calling for a ban while Esterhuizen received visible social-media support and liked posts saying he has changed; coach Rassie Erasmus defended the selection citing franchise leadership experience.
  • The episode highlights wider stakes for South African rugby because captaincy carries symbolic weight in the country and raises questions about how past misconduct, sanctions and rehabilitation are weighed in national team leadership decisions.