Four World Cup stars return for South Africa's UK tour

The Springboks have welcomed back four World Cup stars to their squad for the upcoming UK tour, as coach Rassie Erasmus named a 34-man group on Tuesday.

Damian Willemse, Andre Esterhuizen, RG Snyman, and Franco Mostert return from injury to bolster the South African team ahead of three crucial Tests against Scotland, England, and Wales.

Willemse, who has missed all of South Africa’s 10 Tests in 2024 due to a finger injury, marks his return to the Springbok squad for the first time this year.

Andre Esterhuizen (shoulder), RG Snyman (foot), and Franco Mostert (leg) also make their comebacks after recovering from injuries, adding significant experience and skill to the squad.

The squad, led by Siya Kolisi, will depart for a training camp in Jersey on Sunday, 27 October, before heading to Edinburgh on 3 November for the first Test of the tour.

While the return of several stars is a boost for the Springboks, the team will be without Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Salmaan Moerat (both knee injuries), Steven Kitshoff (neck), and Lood de Jager (shoulder) due to injuries.

Despite these absences, Erasmus’ squad remains strong with 18 forwards and 16 backs, as the team looks to end their year on a high.

The Springboks will play three Tests on their traditional end-of-year tour, starting with Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, 10 November.

They will then face England in London on Saturday, 16 November, and conclude their tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, 23 November.

South Africa squad:

Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese

Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse