The Springbok management has executed a swift “one-in, one-out” squad modification as intensity levels peak in the national camp. DHL Stormers powerhouse Ruben van Heerden has been officially called up to the wider training squad in Johannesburg to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat.
The 28-year-old former Junior Springbok lock, who recently hit a monumental milestone of 50 caps for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC), brings immense domestic and European experience to the engine room, having previously turned out for the Bulls, Sharks, and Exeter Chiefs.
Dual-Front Preparations Heat Up
Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff are balancing a heavy developmental and international agenda. The wider squad is currently preparing for two major season-opening fixtures:
- SA ‘A’ vs Zimbabwe — Saturday, 20 June 2026 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Gqeberha)
- Springboks vs Barbarians — Saturday, 27 June 2026
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick will steer the SA ‘A’ side for the Gqeberha clash, with official matchday 23 announcements for both games locked in for next week. Newly co-opted forward reinforcements Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have already integrated into the high-performance setup in Gauteng.
Updated Training Squad
Forwards (31):
Phepsi Buthelezi, Lood de Jager, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Bathobele Hlekani, Hanro Jacobs, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, JJ Kotze, Danie Kruger, Sibabalwa Mahashe, Malcolm Marx, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Ruben van Heerden, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Oliver Reid, Evan Roos, Carlu Sadie, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Liam van Wyk, Andre-Hugo Venter, Boan Venter, Jasper Wiese.
Backs (22):
Yaqeen Ahmed, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Luan Giliomee, Quan Horn, Jurenzo Julius, Imad Khan, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Vusi Moyo, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams.
