Nine uncapped players named in 54-Man Springboks squad

South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has unveiled a powerful and expansive 54-man Springboks training squad ahead of a busy international calendar, including upcoming matches against Italy, Georgia, and the Barbarians.

The squad includes nine uncapped players, signaling the beginning of a new phase in the Springboks’ long-term preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The training group brings together a core of proven campaigners from the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, while also giving a platform to emerging stars who have been making waves in domestic and overseas competitions.

“We’re excited to get the season underway with this group of players, especially as we begin building for the next four-year cycle. The 54-man squad allows us to work on depth, experiment with combinations, and expose new players to our systems and environment,” said Erasmus.

The nine uncapped players selected offer a glimpse into the next generation of Springboks talent:

Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT Ikey Tigers) is the headline inclusion, stepping directly into the Springboks environment from the university ranks. A livewire full-back known for his attacking spark and maturity under pressure, Makhaza’s call-up is a bold signal that no pathway is off-limits.

Ethan Hooker (Sharks) and Vincent Tshituka (Sharks) have both impressed in the URC, with Hooker’s strong running game and Tshituka’s back-row versatility drawing attention.

Juarno Augustus, currently with Northampton Saints, has continued to grow in the English Premiership and adds explosive power to the loose forward options.

Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouché, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, and Marnus van der Merwe bring heavy-duty reinforcement to the forward pack. Their selection rewards consistent performances at the URC and European club level.

“We’re not just rewarding form — we’re investing in potential. These players have shown they can operate at a high level, and this environment will accelerate their development," added Erasmus.

“We’ve had two World Cup wins but continuity isn’t automatic. It has to be earned and managed. This is about future-proofing the Springboks, and ensuring that by 2027 we have 60–70 players who can step in and perform at Test level,” said Erasmus.

The Springboks’ mid-year fixtures will be key to integrating new talent and establishing squad cohesion:

June 28: vs Barbarians (Cape Town)
July 5: vs Italy (Pretoria)
July 12: vs Italy (Gqeberha)
July 19: vs Georgia (Nelspruit)

South Africa squad:

Forwards: Juarno Augustus, Lood de Jager, Renzo du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Cameron Hanekom, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Jasper Wiese

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams