Lions forward Willem Alberts is hoping for one last chance to wear the Springboks jersey before retiring. As he approaches his 40th birthday, Alberts has made it clear that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the current United Rugby Championship. Despite not having played for South Africa since 2016, he is hopeful that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will give him another opportunity. Alberts reflects on his time playing for the Springboks, highlighting the thrill of scoring three tries in his first three matches.

He acknowledges the challenges of playing abroad and the preference for locally based players in the national team. However, Alberts remains hopeful that he may still get the chance to represent his country once more. With South Africa set to face Wales in June, there is a possibility that Alberts could earn his 44th Test cap at the age of 40, becoming the oldest Springbok player in history.