In a fresh twist to their 2026 campaign, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has injected new blood into the squad with the addition of two uncapped players, while also recalling seasoned veterans for the year's first virtual alignment camp. The mix of youthful promise and experienced savvy sets an intriguing stage for the upcoming international season.
Former Junior Springboks, prop Carlü Sadie and lock JJ van der Mescht, have earned their spots following standout performances in European leagues. They join a contingent of 21 overseas-based players, including 16 who have tasted World Cup victory. Notably, the camp marks a return for scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and centre Lukhanyo Am, who last donned the Springbok jersey in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
"Carlü and JJ have performed really well for their clubs this season, and players such as Herschel and Lukhanyo, last played for us a while ago, so it’s important that they are up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are, so it is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players."
The virtual setup will see Erasmus and his coaching staff presenting the Boks' strategic plan for the year through sessions tailored to accommodate different time zones on Tuesday. This approach follows a successful in-person camp in Cape Town earlier in the month, which brought 49 players up to speed with the team’s expectations and details for high-level performance.
"Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players," Erasmus shared. The main aim of these camps is to ensure all players are "on the same page" regarding the team's values and battlefield tactics. With the international season kicking off on June 20 against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, time is of the essence.
The upcoming schedule is packed, with the Boks facing a string of formidable opponents in the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, before touring Europe for the concluding matches of the year.
Players invited to the first virtual Springbok alignment camp:
Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.
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In a fresh twist to their 2026 campaign, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has injected new blood into the squad with the addition of two uncapped players, while also recalling seasoned veterans for the year's first virtual alignment camp. The mix of youthful promise and experienced savvy sets an intriguing stage for the upcoming international season.
Former Junior Springboks, prop Carlü Sadie and lock JJ van der Mescht, have earned their spots following standout performances in European leagues. They join a contingent of 21 overseas-based players, including 16 who have tasted World Cup victory. Notably, the camp marks a return for scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and centre Lukhanyo Am, who last donned the Springbok jersey in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
"Carlü and JJ have performed really well for their clubs this season, and players such as Herschel and Lukhanyo, last played for us a while ago, so it’s important that they are up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are, so it is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players."
The virtual setup will see Erasmus and his coaching staff presenting the Boks' strategic plan for the year through sessions tailored to accommodate different time zones on Tuesday. This approach follows a successful in-person camp in Cape Town earlier in the month, which brought 49 players up to speed with the team’s expectations and details for high-level performance.
"Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players," Erasmus shared. The main aim of these camps is to ensure all players are "on the same page" regarding the team's values and battlefield tactics. With the international season kicking off on June 20 against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, time is of the essence.
The upcoming schedule is packed, with the Boks facing a string of formidable opponents in the Nations Championship and the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, before touring Europe for the concluding matches of the year.
Players invited to the first virtual Springbok alignment camp:
Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.