Rassie Erasmus: U20 Champions Won’t Feature for Springboks in 2025
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made it clear that none of the recently crowned World Rugby U20 Championship stars will don the green and gold at the senior Test level this season. Despite their impressive showing in Italy, Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead will not be part of the Springboks’ match-day plans in 2025.
Integration Without Expectation
The young trio was called into a Springbok training camp in Johannesburg alongside 37 seasoned internationals. This was ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship clashes against Australia. Their inclusion, however, came at the expense of several high-profile names, including Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, and Makazole Mapimpi, who were instead listed as standby players. This raised questions among supporters and pundits alike.
But Erasmus insists the selection of the youngsters was never about fast-tracking them into Test rugby. Rather, it’s part of a broader long-term strategy. This strategy focuses on squad depth and preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
A Long-Term Vision
Speaking at the camp, Erasmus explained that the U20 players were brought in to acclimatise to the senior setup. They were not expected to make their debuts. “They won’t be playing Test rugby this year,” Erasmus said unequivocally. “This is about exposure and evaluating how well and how quickly they can adapt to the Bok environment.”
He emphasised the importance of depth across all positions. Ideally, having at least three quality options available per role is desired. The coaching staff wants to observe how these young talents respond to the demands of the national setup. This will happen before making any decisions about their readiness for international duty.
No Special Treatment for Rising Stars
Despite their youth, Erasmus was quick to stress that the trio isn’t being handled with kid gloves. Hlekani, Jooste, and Pead have been fully immersed in both the on-field sessions and the technical review rooms. They are participating alongside seasoned Springboks.
“They are part of every single session, and we’re treating them no differently,” he said. “This is about making them feel the intensity and professionalism expected at this level.”
According to Erasmus, the experience also serves a dual purpose. It sends a clear message to the senior players that the next generation is watching—and pushing for places.
Who Missed the Cut?
While the trio grabbed the headlines, the list of experienced players left out of the camp highlighted Erasmus’ ruthless approach to trimming down his squad. Along with Am, Mapimpi and De Klerk, players like Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Neethling Fouché, and Vincent Tshituka were not included in the Johannesburg camp.
Many others were released back to their clubs to continue training at franchise level. This underscores the tough decisions the Springbok brains trust is making ahead of the new international season.
Eyes on 2027, Not 2025
Erasmus’ vision for the future is crystal clear. He seeks to identify talent early, groom them patiently, and ensure the Boks are primed to peak in 2027. While fans may have hoped to see breakout stars like Pead and Jooste wear the senior jersey sooner rather than later, Erasmus is in no rush.
“They know very well that unless they completely blow us away in training, there won’t be a Test cap for them this year,” he said. “But they’re here to learn, to push themselves, and to remind the established guys that competition is always coming.”
Building Tomorrow’s Springboks Starts Now
This measured approach reflects Erasmus’ consistent philosophy. He aims to build a sustainable team rather than banking on short-term success. If anything, the presence of the U20 stars in the Bok camp is a glimpse into what the future of rugby in the country could look like: bold, talented, and well-prepared.
Related article: Springboks Omit Promising Young Talent for First Four Tests of the Season
