Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has added two new players to the group who will attend the first virtual Springbok alignment camp on Tuesday, with former Junior Springboks Carlü Sadie (prop) and JJ van der Mescht (lock) being among the 21 players from around the world who have cracked the nod.
Sadie, who is currently plying his trade in France with Bordeaux Begles, and Van der Mescht, from the Northampton Saints in England, are the only uncapped players in the group, and will feature alongside 16 World Cup-winners.
Experienced Players Return
Back in the mix are Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf), a member of the triumphant 2019 RWC squad who last played for the Boks in 2023, and Lukhanyo Am (centre), whose last Test was in 2024.
The other RWC winners invited to the camp are World Rugby and SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese (all forwards), as well as Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Manie Libbok (all backline players).
Preparations for the International Season
Erasmus is delighted to continue with preparations for the international season, which begins on Saturday, 20 June, with a clash against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
Two sessions will be hosted throughout the day to accommodate the players’ different time zones, where they will be presented with the Boks’ macroplan for the year and detailed visions by Erasmus and his coaching team in their respective areas of expertise.
According to the South African Rugby Union, this camp follows the first in-person camp earlier this month, where 49 players reported for duty in Cape Town.
“Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players,” said Erasmus.
Erasmus added: “Carlü and JJ have performed really well for their clubs this season, and players such as Herschel and Lukhanyo, last played for us a while ago, so they must be up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are, so it is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players.”
- Carlü Sadie (prop)
- JJ van der Mescht (lock)
- Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf)
- Lukhanyo Am (centre)
