{
  "id": 9138062,
  "title": "LEADER OF MEN: Swiss Army Knife Esterhuizen becomes ninth new Springbok captain in Rassie era",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/leader-of-men-swiss-army-knife-esterhuizen-becomes-ninth-new",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T12:28:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-22-swiss-army-knife-esterhuizen-becomes-ninth-new-springbok-captain-in-rassie-era/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "André Esterhuizen has been named as the ninth captain of the Springboks in Rassie Erasmus's era, ready to lead the team against the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. The versatile player, known for his utility on the field, will join an elite group of leaders for South Africa. Erasmus praised Esterhuizen's selflessness, team-first attitude, and willingness to play multiple positions. The coach aims to build depth and rotation throughout the squad, with several players returning from the previous series against the All Blacks. Esterhuizen's appointment as captain also comes as a welcome sign of the squad's inclusivity and depth.",
  "summary": "Utility player André Esterhuizen will become the 68th man to lead the Springboks in a Test when they take on the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "André Esterhuizen named 9th Springbok captain in Rassie Erasmus era",
    "Versatile player leads team against Wallabies in Perth",
    "Erasmus praises Esterhuizen's selflessness and team-first attitude"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}