Rassie Erasmus, Springboks head coach, has unveiled a 49-man squad for the upcoming in-person alignment camp, throwing the spotlight on a mix of seasoned warriors and fresh faces. The camp, set to kick off in Cape Town from March 3 to 6, sees 11 uncapped players stepping into the fold, with five still cutting their teeth in the Junior Boks circuit. Notably, the list includes Frans Malherbe, poised for a comeback after a hiatus since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and excludes veterans like Willie le Roux and Bongi Mbonambi.
The infusion of youth is palpable, with 2025 Junior World Championship-winning captain Riley Norton and teammates from last year's SA U20 squad, Cheswill Jooste and Siphosethu Mnebelele, making the cut. Adding to this youthful brigade are Kai Pratt and Markus Muller from the SA U18 team, currently touring with the Junior Boks in Georgia. For some like Jooste, Haashim Pead, and Bathobele Hlekani, this isn't their first rodeo with the national team, having trained with the Boks in Johannesburg last season.
"This is an exciting group of players who have all made a strong statement for their respective provincial unions, and we are delighted to have some of the finest young talent in the country attending the camp to expose them to our environment and structures,"
said Erasmus. He hopes the camp will provide newcomers a deep dive into the Springboks' operations and ethos.
The camp isn't just about field drills; it includes boardroom and gym sessions, where players will align with national strategies and standards ahead of the 2026 season. This setup aims to fortify preparations for the upcoming World Cup in Australia and offer newcomers a glimpse into the rigors of international rugby.
Further bolstering the Springboks' preparation, a second alignment camp is scheduled for May, with a virtual session planned for the 21 overseas-based players.
Players invited to the first Springbok alignment camp:Forwards: Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka (all Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Siphosethu Mnebebele, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (all Bulls), Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Frans Malherbe, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos (all Stormers), Bathobele Hlekani, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter (all Lions).
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (all Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard (all Bulls), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Markus Muller, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse (all Stormers), Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Morne van den Berg (all Lions).