Erasmus announces squad for second Bok alignment camp

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a "purpose and goal-driven" 40-man squad for the team’s second in-person alignment camp in Cape Town, taking place from Tuesday, 19 May to Thursday, 21 May. This camp aims to expose players to the team's structures and systems with a focus on the upcoming seasons. Two players, Sibabalwe Mahashe and Zekhethelo Siyaya, received invitations to their first camp, while other returning players included Embrose Papier, Francke Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Henco van Wyk, all of whom have previous camp experience.

Despite the absence of several seasoned national players due to injuries, Erasmus expressed that the camp presents an essential opportunity for newer players to understand the high standards and operational framework of the Springboks. This group includes 10 uncapped players such as Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, and Riley Norton. Six of these players were also invited to the first alignment camp held in March.

Erasmus emphasized the excitement surrounding the potential growth of this squad, highlighting players' strong performances in their respective leagues, notably in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and various European competitions. He mentioned that the camp aims to prepare these players to step up in the future when given opportunities at the international level.

Erasmus also underscored that while some players are unfit to attend the camp, they remain part of the squad's long-term plans and will follow their unique recovery timelines. He reiterated the importance of aligning players with the national team's standards ahead of future matches.

The Springboks' international season kicks off with a double-header in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June, facing the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe. Following these matches, the team will participate in the Nations Championship with home matches against England on 4 July, Scotland on 11 July, and Wales on 18 July. Thereafter, they are set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires on 8 August and the All Blacks during a four-Test series in August and September, followed by an away Test against the Wallabies in Australia on 27 September. The second leg of the Nations Championship will then occur in Europe, with matches against Italy, France, and Ireland in November, concluding with Finals Weekend in London from 27 to 29 November.

Players invited to the second alignment camp include:

Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers); Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Fidelity Securedrive Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls); Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Emmanuel Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls); Andre Esterhuizen, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks); Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Morne van den Berg (Fidelity Securedrive Lions); Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).