Adriaan Strauss is the new Bok captain

Hooker Adriaan Strauss has been appointed as the 57th Springbok captain. Photo: Matthew Jordaan

Hooker Adriaan Strauss has been appointed as the 57th Springbok captain. Photo: Matthew Jordaan

Published May 30, 2016

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Cape Town - Hooker Adriaan Strauss has been appointed as the 57th Springbok captain.

Bok coach Allister Coetzee made the announcement at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch on Monday afternoon.

Coetzee said that the 30-year-old Strauss, who has 54 Test caps to his name, had earned his place as captain for the upcoming three-Test series against Ireland.

“Adriaan has paid his dues to South African rugby. He has been through the mill. This appointment is for the Irish series, but it could very well be long-term,” the coach said.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to appoint Adriaan. I called in the four franchise captains this morning and told them about it, and they pledged their support for Adriaan. The senior players will back him fully.

“Adriaan was quite shocked when I told him this morning, but he was mature about it and immediately asked if I was sure, as it was early in the morning! He wanted to know if he has the senior players’ backing, and I assured him of that.”

Bulls skipper Strauss, who has been the vice-captain of the national team before, described the appointment as a “huge honour”.

“I found out this morning, and I hope to play good rugby and stay true to myself,” he said. “The first person I called was my wife Chantel, and my daughter and mom.”

Adriaan Strauss Fact File

Date of Birth:18-11-1985

Tests:54

Tries:6

Height:1.84m

Weight:114kg

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