Mbonambi and Mchunu bolster Springbok squad ahead of Ireland and Wales Tests

THE SPRINGBOKS have strengthened their touring squad with the arrival of experienced hooker Bongi Mbonambi and powerful prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, who will join the team in Ireland on Sunday. The call-ups come as head coach Rassie Erasmus prepares his side for the final two matches of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, against Ireland and Wales.

Mbonambi, part of the recent Castle Lager Rugby Championship group, was listed among Erasmus’s standby players for the tour. Mchunu, meanwhile, last featured for the Boks during the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series, earning his third Test cap in Bloemfontein against Portugal.

With two high-intensity encounters ahead, Erasmus said the timing made strategic sense.

“This is a longer tour than usual, and we have two big matches lined up against Ireland and Wales, which prompted the decision to call up Bongi and Ntuthuko,” he explained. “Both players have done the job for us on the international stage, so we are excited to have them in the group.

“Several players will not be eligible for selection for the final Test on tour against Wales, as the match falls outside of the international window, so it makes sense to call up the players now to get back into the swing of things with us at training this week, while at the same time increasing the depth we have within the squad for our next challenge against Ireland.”

The Springboks will travel from Italy to Dublin on Sunday afternoon before shifting their focus fully to preparations for the highly anticipated clash against Ireland, with on-field training set to begin on Monday.