South Africa coach Rassie Erasmushas named a 26-player squad for the first virtual Springbok alignment camps of the year. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane, Independent Newspapers
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 26-player squad for the first virtual Springbok alignment camps of the year, scheduled for Wednesday, March 27.
The group consists predominantly of overseas-based players, along with promising young talent and injured players, as part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2025 season and beyond.
These virtual sessions follow an in-person camp in Cape Town, which will run from Monday, March 10, to Wednesday, March 12, where 56 players have been invited.
The online format will accommodate players’ time zones, with one session dedicated to those playing in Japan and another for those competing in the northern hemisphere and South Africa.
A group of 26 players will join the #Springboks coaches on two virtual sessions as they step up their preparations for the season 💻#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) February 19, 2025
Strengthening the Springbok Player Pool
A total of 18 Rugby World Cup winners are included in the virtual squad, alongside four other capped Springboks. The only newcomer in the group is Jonathan Roche, who earns his first call-up to a Springbok alignment camp. The other five South African-based players in the virtual camp have either worn the green and gold before or participated in previous camps.
Erasmus emphasised the importance of these alignment camps in laying the foundation for the Springboks’ upcoming season, which includes the Castle Lager Incoming Series in July, the Rugby Championship from August to October, and the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour in November.
“It is vital for us that all the players on our radar are exposed to our plans and goals for the season,” Erasmus stated. “We intend to replicate our presentations from the Cape Town camp to ensure everyone is on the same page as we embark on this challenging season.”
Planning for the Future
Erasmus also reinforced the necessity for continued growth and adaptation within the Springbok squad. “Many of these players have won a World Cup before, but as we stated prior to the 2023 tournament in France, we must continue to evolve to stay at the top of our game,” he explained. “This applies not only to the upcoming season but also as we work towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia.”
The Springbok management team is also exploring the possibility of a warm-up match ahead of the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The series will feature back-to-back Test matches against Italy on July 5 and 12, followed by a fixture against Georgia on July 19.
As the Springboks prepare for another competitive international season, these alignment camps serve as crucial stepping stones in ensuring all players understand the team’s strategic direction and expectations. The combination of experienced World Cup winners and emerging talents positions South Africa well as they look to build a formidable squad for future challenges.
Virtual Springbok Alignment Camp Squad
The full list of players invited to the virtual Springbok alignment camp is as follows:
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Dynaboars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Siya Masuku (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Jonathan Roche (DHL Stormers), Nico Steyn (Emirates Lions).
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Dan du Preez (Sale Sharks), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Trevor Nyakane (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
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