The Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, hinted that the four-time World Champions could have a new captain this season.

On Tuesday the new Springbok assistant coaches were introduced to the media during a press conference in Cape Town.

The current skipper, Siya Kolisi, is playing his rugby for Racing92 in France, and has indicated that he is interested in continuing his international career.

However, Erasmus suggested that he would prefer for the Springbok captain to play his rugby domestically.

Erasmus said a final decision on the national captain needs to be finalised.

“There are a lot of players who signed overseas with clauses in their contract that say they will stop playing international rugby and just play for their club, and then obviously the club will give that guy much more money," said Erasmus.

“Siya did not sign a clause like that, so that's the first thing that tells you he wants to continue playing for South Africa.

“I actually think he's playing some of his best rugby right now and he looks really relaxed.

“I would always love to have a captain who is locally based. I think it would be great to just be able to give the guy a call and hop on a flight to spend the weekend together to discuss plans.

“This is a unique situation - he will be considered, and I think he will play some Tests because he definitely wants to. If he's playing well enough, why would it stop us?”

Should Kolisi not captain the Springboks this season will most likely successors with be the Sharks duo of Bongi Mbonambi or Lukhanyo Am.

The Springboks will kick-off their season on 22 June when they tackle Wales at Twickenham.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport