Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead South Africa for the first time when they face Wales in a one-off Test in Washington this Saturday.
The 25-year-old Western Stormers forward was one of two skippers named Monday by new coach Johan ‘Rassie’ Erasmus for June Tests.
After Wales, Siya Kolisi will become the first black Test skipper of the Springboks, leading them in a three-Test home series against England.
Kolisi and many other likely starters against England were not considered for the Washington international.
First choice skipper Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth, his stand-in last season, have been ruled out of the June Tests by injuries.
The team to play Wales will be named in Johannesburg Wednesday with 13 of the 26 contenders uncapped.
Former South African Rugby Player of the Year, Du Toit can play lock or flanker and is the grandson of former Springbok prop Piet du Toit.
First capped in 2013 against Wales in Cardiff, he has made 32 international appearances and scored four tries.
While Stormers are experiencing a disastrous Super Rugby season losing eight of 13 matches, Du Toit has consistently impressed in the set-pieces and loose exchanges.
