Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a powerhouse 43-man squad set to assemble in Johannesburg this Sunday, July 26. The group will kick off preparations for South Africa’s upcoming Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday, 8 August, followed by the highly anticipated, inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series against the All Blacks.
10 World Champions & Key Stars Return
In a massive boost to the national side, ten senior Springboks return to the squad following recovery periods from various injuries:
- Forwards: Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, and captain Siya Kolisi.
- Backs: Handré Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen, and Morné van den Berg.
Meanwhile, lock Ruben van Heerden—who recently made his Test debut against Wales—has been placed on standby as he transitions to his new French club, Montpellier.
Strategic Franchise Releases for All Blacks Midweek Clashes
To balance international duty with local franchise obligations, Erasmus has released five players back to their respective teams for mid-week matches against the touring All Blacks:
- DHL Stormers: Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop), Evan Roos (No 8), André-Hugo Venter (hooker).
- Hollywoodbets Sharks: Jaco Williams (wing).
- Vodacom Bulls: Embrose Papier (scrumhalf).
Full 43-Man Springbok Squad Breakdown
| Position Group | Players Selected |
| Props | Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw, Ox Nche, Zachary Porthen, Carlu Sadie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Boan Venter |
| Hookers | Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx |
| Locks | Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje |
| Loose Forwards | Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Cameron Hanekom, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese |
| Utility Forwards | Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco Mostert, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese |
| Scrumhalves | Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Grant Williams |
| Flyhalves | Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, Vusi Moyo, Handré Pollard |
| Centres | Damian de Allende, André Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel |
| Outside & Utility Backs | Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse |
