Nov 6 : South Africa captain Siya Kolisi welcomed the return of several senior Springboks from Japan to domestic clubs and paid an emotional tribute to former Sharks teammate Hyron Andrews ahead of his funeral on Saturday.
Hooker Malcolm Marx, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, flyhalf Manie Libbok and loose-forward Kwagga Smith are all returning to South Africa, strengthening the local game in the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
"I think it's good for the Springboks," Kolisi told reporters on Friday ahead of their Nations Championship clash with Italy in Turin on Saturday.
"Just think about the young guys coming through who will have the opportunity to learn from players like Pieter-Steph, Kwagga and all those guys.
"That's really huge and those South African derbies are going to be something else. All the teams are getting stronger and bringing in quality players.
"The URC (United Rugby Championship) is going to be on fire."
Lock Andrews died at the Lions team hotel last month aged 31. He played alongside Kolisi at South Africa’s Sharks franchise.
“I think it's starting to…