Siya Kolisi will be the first black player to captain South Africa in a Test after being handed the role for the upcoming series against England.

Kolisi had already become the first black player to temporarily captain South Africa in a Test last year when Eben Etzebeth was injured during a game.

Rags to riches: South Africa's new captain Siya Kolisi. Credit:AAP

Another black player, Chiliboy Ralepelle, captained a South Africa team against a World XV in a 2006 game that didn't have Test status.

Kolisi becomes the first black player to be officially appointed Test captain in the Springboks' 127-year history.