Springboks set to kick off 2025 season with Cape Town Alignment Camp

The Springboks will officially kick off their 2025 season preparations next month with a key alignment camp in Cape Town as head coach Rassie Erasmus and his management team set the stage for a challenging year ahead.

The Cape camp will bring together 56 domestic players for an intensive three-day session, marking the first official Springbok gathering since their triumphant 2024 season.

Strategic Planning Begins

Before the players arrive, Erasmus and his coaching staff will conduct a three-day strategic session starting on March 7. The coaching team will lay out their plans for a packed international calendar that includes the Castle Lager Incoming Series in July, the Rugby Championship between August and October, and the traditional Outgoing Tour in November.

Following this, the alignment camp will take place from March 10-12. Players will participate in two gymnasium sessions and a series of boardroom meetings designed to familiarise them with the Springbok structures, expectations, and performance standards for the upcoming season.

A group of 56 locally based players have been invited to the first #Springboks alignment camp of the year 🤩 #ForeverGreenForeverGold

— Springboks (@Springboks) February 14, 2025

Experienced Core with New Talent

The squad comprises a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent. Of the 56 players invited, 18 were part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, including 10 who also lifted the trophy in 2019. Additionally, 22 capped national players will feature, providing a wealth of experience to guide the newer faces.

Among the emerging talents, players such as Celimpilo Gumede, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Henco van Wyk will continue their integration into the national setup after previously being involved in either the Springbok alignment camps or the South African ‘A’ team.

Meanwhile, young prospects like Jurenzo Julius, JF van Heerden, and Reinhardt Ludwig will experience Springbok rugby for the first time.

Erasmus Excited About Squad Composition

Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the balance of experience and youthful energy in the squad.

“Our alignment camps have been crucial over the last few years, helping us present our structures and instill the Springbok culture,” he said. “This camp will ensure everyone is on the same page as we prepare for an exciting but demanding season.”

He emphasised the importance of senior players in mentoring newcomers: “Most of these players have been part of our system at some stage over the past seven years. Their experience will be invaluable in guiding the younger guys, who now have an opportunity to see what’s expected at the highest level.”

Erasmus also noted that the coaching staff had been closely monitoring performances in domestic and European competitions, ensuring that the squad selection was based on form and potential.

Springboks’ 2025 Schedule

The alignment camp is the first of three planned camps to prepare the Springboks for a rigorous international campaign. The world champions and Castle Lager Rugby Championship holders will face Italy in back-to-back Tests on 5 and 12 July, followed by a clash against Georgia on 19 July as part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

The Rugby Championship kicks off in August with consecutive home Tests against Australia (16 and 23 August), followed by two crucial away encounters against the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington (6 and 13 September).

The Boks will then return home for a match against Argentina (27 September) before concluding the tournament with a fixture against Argentina at Twickenham in London on 4 October. Venues for the home fixtures will be announced later.

Springbok Alignment Camp Squad

Forwards: Ethan Bester, Phepsi Buthelezi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane (Hollywoodbets Sharks); Ben-Jason Dixon, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers); Renzo du Plessis, Francke Horn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Celimpilo Gumede, Cameron Hanekom, Wilco Louw, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Akker van der Merwe, JF van Heerden, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks); Paul de Wet, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers); Quan Horn, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Henco van Wyk (Emirates Lions); Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls).

With a strong foundation set, the Springboks are gearing up for another momentous year as they prepare to defend their titles and cement their status as one of the world’s top rugby teams.