As South African rugby continues to shine on global stages, the debate around selecting overseas-based Springboks remains as lively as ever. With Bulls players preparing for a titanic URC final clash against Leinster this weekend, Renaldo Bothma put the big question to Jesse Kriel—and it sparked an insightful response not only from the seasoned centre but also from Bok boss Rassie Erasmus himself.
Jesse Kriel, now a staple in the Springbok setup and currently plying his trade in Japan, offered a thoughtful defence of the overseas route many top Boks have taken.
“Coach Jake’s done time in Japan and France,” Kriel noted. “And he’ll tell you how much you learn from coaching in different environments. It’s the same for us players.”
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Kriel spoke about the diverse rugby perspectives he’s encountered abroad—rubbing shoulders with players from Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Wales, and England.
“You learn how different players think, how they approach the game. It’s a new lens. And for me, that’s helped me grow massively.”
More than just skill development, he added that being outside of South Africa brings fewer distractions, offering more time to focus on personal development.
“When we come back into Bok camp, we’re not just physically ready—we’re mentally sharp and focused.”
Rassie: “It’s About Timing, Not Location”
Listening in, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus jumped in to add crucial context. For him, the overseas debate isn’t about where you play—it’s about when you leave.
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“We very seldom pick young players who’ve gone abroad early,” Rassie explained. “Look at our track record—most of the Boks picked from overseas are 26 or older.”
Jasper Wiese, called up in his mid-20s, was an exception. So was Juarno Augustus, a standout junior talent, who might’ve featured this year if not for injury. But overall, Erasmus said it’s rare for young players to leave South Africa and immediately walk into the Springbok squad.
That message is clear: go overseas when the timing’s right—not before your potential is fully realised at home.
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Bulls and Bok Depth: Two Sides of the Coin
Erasmus used the Bulls’ URC final team as a living example. “There are at least 13 Springboks in that matchday squad. And even more knocking on the door.”
He spoke highly of players like Sebastian de Klerk and Jesse Kriel himself, who are performing at a level worthy of selection, regardless of location.
“If the Bulls beat Leinster this weekend, what does that tell us?” he posed. “That local systems are working. That development continues—whether a player is in Pretoria, Japan, or the UK.”
And in classic Rassie style, he flipped the script. “Who in the Bulls squad is actually from Pretoria?” he asked. “Does that matter? It’s not about province, it’s about performance.”
No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Ultimately, both Kriel and Erasmus delivered a unified message: there’s no blanket solution. Overseas stints can add value. Staying local can build cohesion. What matters most is the player’s development stage, commitment to the Bok jersey, and long-term impact on South African rugby.
“It’s not an argument,” Rassie concluded. “It’s just a different way of looking at things.”
With a URC title on the line and multiple Bulls stars eyeing national selection, the conversation around player pathways will only grow louder. But for now, both homegrown and global Boks have one mission—to win for South Africa.
