Nine New Faces Join Springbok Squad Ahead of 2025 International Season

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The Springbok squad for the 2025 international season has been announced, with head coach Rassie Erasmus naming a sizeable group of 54 players. This includes nine promising uncapped players, signalling a fresh wave of talent joining the reigning world champions.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the group that gathered at the second alignment camp in Cape Town last month. However, five seasoned Springboks are sidelined due to injury, giving opportunities to younger players eager to make their mark.

Erasmus has chosen 30 forwards and 24 backs for the opening Tests. The campaign kicks off on 28 June with a match against the Barbarians in Cape Town, followed by back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria (5 July) and Gqeberha (12 July). The mid-year fixtures conclude with a one-off Test against Georgia in Mbombela on 19 July.

Uncapped Players Ready to Impress

Among the new inclusions are hooker Marnus van der Merwe from the Scarlets, Lions’ prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and flanker Renzo du Plessis, Bulls versatile forward Cobus Wiese, Stormers’ Neethling Fouché, Sharks’ Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker, Northampton Saints’ dynamic eighth man Juarno Augustus, and Varsity Cup standout Ntokozo Makhaza from UCT Tigers.

All available players are set to join the Springbok camp in Johannesburg from 8 June. Those still engaged with their clubs will integrate progressively, ensuring the team maintains balance while allowing maximum preparation time. On-field training is slated to begin immediately.

Building Depth and Experience

Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the alignment camps and the depth of talent in the expanded squad. “Having a large pool of players allows us to conduct more effective training sessions,” he noted, “while providing younger players valuable exposure alongside Rugby World Cup champions.”

He emphasised the importance of grooming emerging talent by immersing them in the standards and demands of international rugby, boosting their development ahead of the challenging season.

Injuries and Player Availability

Notably absent from the squad are experienced players such as tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, loose forwards Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and utility prop Trevor Nyakane, all sidelined by injuries.

Players involved in crucial United Rugby Championship semi-finals and English Premiership playoffs will join the squad once their club commitments conclude. This staggered approach helps manage workload while preparing the squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

A Season Full of Promise

Last season saw 50 players utilised as the coaching staff balanced player welfare and team development. This year’s inclusion of fresh young talent aims to deepen the squad further and sharpen competition for places.

With a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, the Springboks appear well-equipped to meet the demands of an exciting and competitive international season.