The Springboks officially kick off their 2025 season on Monday as head coach Rassie Erasmus welcomes a group of 56 players to the first of three alignment camps in Cape Town. The camp, which runs until Wednesday, will focus on gym and boardroom sessions to ensure players are aligned with the national team’s plans for the year.
This marks the start of Erasmus’ preparations as he looks to build an extended talent pool leading up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. While some players will feature throughout the year, for others, this may be their only involvement with the world champions in 2025.
Erasmus has made it clear that this is the largest group he will work with this year, with a trimmed squad expected for the second camp. However, the inclusion of many United Rugby Championship (URC) standouts highlights the Springbok management’s intent to widen their selection pool.
Young talents such as Jurenzo Julius (Sharks), JF van Heerden, and Reinhardt Ludwig (both Bulls) will get their first taste of Springbok rugby. While they have already played alongside experienced Boks at the franchise level, this camp will offer them firsthand exposure to the unique standards and expectations of the national team.
In total, 13 uncapped players have been called up, including Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Celimpilo Gumede, Suleiman Hartzenberg, and Henco van Wyk. Some have previously been involved with the Springbok setup in different capacities, but this will be their first formal alignment under Erasmus’ new regime.
Speaking about his squad selection, Erasmus emphasized the importance of developing a balanced team across different age groups.
“There’s something special about these guys, and we want to work with that,” he said. “We are looking at all positions and all options to ensure we are covered. If you look at our chart and succession planning, we have a nice spread of older guys, players between 25 and 30, and younger players. There’s a good mix among the 84 players we’ve invited to the camps.”
His selection strategy suggests a clear long-term vision, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents to maintain the Springboks’ dominance on the global stage.
Erasmus confirmed that all invited players are available for selection, except for injured duo Elrigh Louw and Trevor Nyakane. Veteran prop Steven Kitshoff, who recently announced his retirement from international rugby, will also be absent from this year’s plans.
Although the first camp will conclude on Wednesday, the coaching staff will conduct a virtual session with overseas-based players in Europe and Japan. A few locally based players will also join these online sessions at the end of March, ensuring that the entire Springbok squad remains connected despite geographical differences.
With the 2025 international season set to feature blockbuster clashes, including a highly anticipated home series in Gqeberha in July, Erasmus is laying the groundwork for another strong campaign. This alignment camp is the first step in shaping the squad that will carry South Africa’s rugby legacy forward.
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