Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said the influx of young players into the national rugby systems benefits both emerging and experienced players.
Speaking before the SA Rugby Awards in Cape Town last Thursday evening, Kolisi said younger players had much to learn from their more experienced counterparts, while also preventing veteran players from becoming complacent.
“I think it’s important [integrating younger players]. I don’t think, I know because with the older guys there, the more experienced guys who can pass on some of that to them,” Kolisi said.
“Also, they come in knowing this is what you need to do to get there [the national team].
“For us, not to be settled because there are so many guys that are pushing through.
“So it’s great to know that if something happens to someone, there’s no need to worry because the next generation is in good hands as well.”
Kolisi was not nominated in any competitive category at the awards but received the Spirit of 95 recognition award.
The award recognises “exceptional contribution in uplifting the game and the nation, through the example of inclusivity and ubuntu, demonstrating iconic and inspirational leadership to the sport and the country, in the footsteps of the example set by Nelson Mandela in 1995”.
This article was first published in our sister site Kickoff.com
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