Who was the captain of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning team?

Siya Kolisi was the captain of South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning team. He led the Springboks in their 32–12 final victory over England in Yokohama, becoming the first Black captain to lift the Rugby World Cup for South Africa.

Kolisi played at openside flanker and started the final wearing the number six jersey. His leadership was especially meaningful in a country where rugby had long been associated with white minority rule and the apartheid era. His journey from Zwide township in Port Elizabeth to the national captaincy made the victory a powerful symbol of change and unity.

South Africa’s campaign was not flawless: the team lost its opening pool match to New Zealand before recovering to beat Japan, Wales and England in the knockout rounds. Kolisi also captained South Africa to another World Cup title in 2023. John Smit, a tempting alternative, captained the 2007 champions, not the 2019 side.