South Africa name training squad ahead of Rugby Championship

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named five uncapped players in their training squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship.

The squad consists players from Stormers and Bulls and will assemble in Stellenbosch with the players from Lions and Sharks expected to join the camp following their Super Rugby commitments after the teams made it to the quarter-finals.

Fly-half Damian Willemse, lock Salmaan Moerat were part of the South Africa Under20 side earlier this year and will be accompanied by Marco van Staden, JD Schickerling and Cobus Wiese.

Lock Eben Etzebeth, props Coenie Oosthuizen and Trevor Nyakane also make a comeback after missing the June series due to injuries.

Erasmus was pleased by the decision of the clubs to release the players for the camp after a hectic season.

“I want to thank the franchise coaches for allowing their players to attend the camp, which we view as a very important part of our preparation,” he said.

“We’re very pleased that several players got the opportunity to gain Test experience during the June internationals and we are now looking forward to working with more of our most promising players, such as Damian, Salmaan, Marco, JD and Cobus.

“It’s also good to have Eben and Coenie back with us after they’ve spent a considerable amount of time out of action because of injury. Once fit and available again, they will add considerable experience to the squad.”

South Africa training squad:

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, JD Schickerling, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese

Backs: Damian de Allende, Warrick Gelant, Jesse Kriel, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Damian Willemse