A big year awaits for captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks with Tests against England and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks shaping their 2026 season. The latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby opens the year by getting straight into the conversations that are already shaping the discourse of South African rugby in 2026. A big part of the discussion is around the noise on Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown and how he was linked to a coaching job at the All Blacks, and how Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus emphatically shut those rumours down.
Brown’s continued involvement with the world champions will positionthemnicely heading into the last two seasons ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The panel looks beyond the rumours and headlines to talk about why his presence matters — not just in terms of the revamped Bok attack, but in continuity, trust, loyalty and clarity within the coaching group as the World Cup build-up continues. From there, attention shifts to Erasmus, following his first media interview of the year.
The Bok guru outlined a clear, deliberate approach to the season ahead, with critical Tests shaping the season with the Nations Championship and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry set to take centre stage. A win over England in July is a key target, but the conversation naturally moves to the All Blacks and the opening chapter of rugby’s most enduring rivalry in 2026. The panel reflects on why these early-season tests matter — not just for results, but for momentum and belief ahead of the four-test rivalry.
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The episode also brings SA’s franchise rugbyinto thediscussion, with the Champions Cup and URC back in focus. Another round of South African derbies awaits, with matches in Johannesburg between the Lions and Bulls and the Sharks and Stormers in Durban expected to bring more fireworks. Away from home, the Bulls and Stormers will look to exact revenge on their hosts after losing the first match in their Jukskei and coastal derbies, respectively. There are some bold predictions, especially for the crucial match at Kings Park.
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