Springbok stalwart Vincent Koch is approaching a defining moment in his career as he edges closer to a return from injury. The veteran tighthead prop’s comeback could determine whether he still has a future in the green and gold.
Recovery and Road Ahead
Koch, who plies his trade with the Sharks, has been sidelined for several months following a shoulder injury. Now in the final stages of rehabilitation, the 35-year-old is expected to rejoin action in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Champions Cup, with reports suggesting he could feature in Saturday’s clash against the Sale Sharks in Manchester.
For Koch, however, this return is about more than club rugby. It represents a pivotal chance to reaffirm his value to the Springbok setup, where competition for places has intensified.
A Veteran Under Pressure
Once a cornerstone of the famed “Bomb Squad” that powered South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup triumphs, Koch endured a frustrating 2025 season. Limited to just two Test appearances, he struggled with injuries, dips in form, and the rise of younger front-row contenders.
At his age, questions about longevity at international level are inevitable. Yet Koch’s reputation as a world-class scrummager gives him the opportunity to prove he still belongs among rugby’s elite.
Fighting Off the Next Generation
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the horizon, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has spoken openly about refreshing the squad. That process has already seen several senior players gradually phased out.
For Koch, the mission is clear: use the domestic season to showcase his enduring power and resilience, and remind selectors that he can still add to his 63 Test caps.