Springbok Assistant Coach Mzwandile Stick: Age Shouldn't Define Rugby Players

Its difficult to dispute that the Springboks have been the dominant force in world rugby for the last six years, and the current squad features a number of players that have been around the block.

Having won successive Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, players like Eben Etzebeth and Deon Fourie can be fondly referred to as veterans in the Bok squad.

As coaches, we dont have the right to tell a player hes getting old and cant play for the Springboks, Stick told SportsBoom.com .

As long as a player is still performing, fit, and able to give us the numbers we want on the field, we wont look at age. You might look at Ebens age, but when it comes to his physique and the way he plays, he is someone who can give us 80 minutes on the field.

As for Fourie, Stick said the player was still very much in their plans.