Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 54-man training squad to kick off South Africa’s 2025 international season, with a blend of World Cup champions, seasoned campaigners, and exciting uncapped prospects.

This extended group will begin preparations for the Qatar Airways Cup clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series which features Tests against Italy (5 and 12 July) and Georgia (19 July). The selection includes 31 players who were part of the triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign and nine uncapped players hoping to earn their first Test caps.

The squad will assemble in stages, with players involved in the Vodacom URC and Gallagher Premiership semi-finals joining after club duties. The first group gathers in Johannesburg on 8 June.

Five Bolters and Breakthroughs

Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT / Cheetahs)
A true Cinderella story. Makhaza’s Varsity Cup heroics for UCT earned him national attention, despite never having played in a professional match. The skilful utility back and reliable goal-kicker has been fast-tracked into the Springbok setup – a dream call-up that reflects Erasmus' eye for raw talent.

Renzo du Plessis (Lions)
The dynamic flanker made a late-season surge with commanding performances in the United Rugby Championship, showcasing power at the breakdown and explosiveness in open play. His inclusion bolsters the Boks’ openside depth, especially with Elrigh Louw sidelined.

Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks)
A consistent performer in England, Du Preez has finally broken through after years of hovering around the Bok fringes. His versatility across the back row and second row makes him an invaluable asset.

Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints)
The powerhouse No. 8 has been instrumental for Northampton Saints and seems to have edged out Evan Roos for a shot at international glory. Augustus' robust carrying and defensive work will be vital in the Bok back row rotation.

Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
The towering lock returns after a long injury layoff, ready to reforge his lineout partnership with Eben Etzebeth. With 66 caps to his name, De Jager’s experience and technical nous will boost the Boks’ tight five.

Five: Familiar Faces Left Out

Evan Roos (Stormers)
Once tipped as a future Springbok mainstay, Roos finds himself omitted as Augustus and Du Preez leapfrog him in the No. 8 queue. His defensive lapses and inconsistency may have counted against him.

Joseph Dweba (Stormers)
Despite Springbok experience, Dweba has been overtaken by Marnus van der Merwe, whose performances at Scarlets have earned him the nod. Dweba's set-piece struggles remain a concern.

Elrigh Louw (Bulls)
One of the most consistent forwards of recent seasons, Louw misses out entirely due to injury – a significant blow to his campaign after strong 2024 form.

Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls)
Highly rated in domestic circles, Grobbelaar’s omission in favour of Van der Merwe and Wessels suggests the Bok management sees other options as better suited for the season ahead.

Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
A seasoned tighthead, Dreyer has not been considered despite injury to Frans Malherbe. Instead, Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Neethling Fouche get the chance to impress, with youth and athleticism seemingly prioritised.


Depth, Development, and Direction

Erasmus’ selection continues his trend of casting a wide net, emphasising squad depth and future planning. “This squad allows us to have productive training sessions and offers young players the chance to learn from World Cup winners,” said Erasmus.

He stressed that 50 players were used in 2024, and similar rotation can be expected in 2025 as South Africa builds towards the 2027 World Cup.

The Springboks will train weekly from 10 June, with weekend breaks before the official Test calendar begins. The Barbarians match in Cape Town will be the first ever between the sides on South African soil – a festive curtain-raiser for what promises to be a thrilling international season.

Notable Uncapped Call-Ups:

Marnus van der Merwe

Neethling Fouche

Asenathi Ntlabakanye

Cobus Wiese

Renzo du Plessis

Vincent Tshituka

Juarno Augustus

Ethan Hooker

Ntokozo Makhaza


Injured and Unavailable:

Frans Malherbe

Elrigh Louw

Deon Fourie

Ben-Jason Dixon

Trevor Nyakane

As the Springboks usher in a new cycle, the blend of continuity and calculated risk is classic Rassie – bold, forward-thinking, and uncompromising in his pursuit of sustained excellence.


Springbok squad (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Emirates Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).










[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]