The Springboks are not just trying to win matches this year, their whisperer is thinking way ahead as the journey to the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins in earnest.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has cast his net wide by naming a massive 49-man squad for the first in-person alignment camp of the year in Cape Town. This group features 11 uncapped players, including five standout prospects still in the Junior Bok ranks.
Among the young guns are 2025 Junior World Championship-winning captain Riley Norton and his SA U20 teammates Cheswill Jooste and Siphosethu Mnebelele. Joining them are Kai Pratt and Markus Muller, who are currently touring Georgia with the Junior Boks.
“Rassie is always so many steps ahead of the competition, and that’s what made rugby watchable again in this boring sea of rubbish rugby dished up all over the world!” – JAY
The squad includes 14 Rugby World Cup winners. A major highlight is the return of Frans Malherbe, who has been sidelined since the 2023 RWC Final with back and neck injuries.
Erasmus is focused on building unprecedented depth and expects his players to meet the highest standards. He noted that the planning for the 2026 season is already at an advanced stage as they look to integrate fresh talent into the senior environment.
Other new faces earning their first invite include Emmanuel Tshituka, Jaco Williams, and Paul de Villiers. Zachary Porthen also joins the group after making his Test debut against Japan late last year.
The camp involves boardroom and gymnasium sessions designed to align the players with the national coaching staff’s vision. Following this Cape Town session, a virtual alignment camp will be held for 21 overseas-based stars.
The 2026 international season kicks off on June 20 against the Barbarians in Gqeberha. This is followed by a grueling Nations Championship schedule featuring clashes against England, Scotland, and Wales on home soil.
Erasmus mentioned that the coaches have been working around the clock to ensure the team is prepared for a challenging season. This includes a massive four-Test series against the All Blacks in August and September.
The year concludes with a tour to Europe in November. The Springboks are scheduled to face Italy, France, and Ireland before the Finals Weekend takes place in London.
Every move made now is designed to ensure South Africa has five or six quality players in every position. If the Boks survive this brutal test schedule, they will be perfectly primed for glory in 2027.
The following players were invited to the first Springbok alignment camp, as confirmed by SA Rugby Communications:
THE FORWARDS:
SHARKS – Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka.
BULLS – Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Siphosethu Mnebebele, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
STORMERS – Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Frans Malherbe, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos.
LIONS – Bathobele Hlekani, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter.
THE BACKS:
SHARKS – Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams.
BULLS – Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard.
STORMERS – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Markus Muller, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse.
LIONS – Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Morne van den Berg.
📸 Photo by SA RUGBY
