Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has wasted no time in making early adjustments to his squad, cutting the training group down to 45 players as preparations intensify for a bumper start to the 2025 season.
After a week of action behind closed doors in Johannesburg, 11 players have been released—six due to injury and five returned to their unions—with just one new face called into the Bok setup.
Injury Setbacks Force Tough Calls
Six players have been ruled out of the upcoming stretch due to injury concerns. Most notably, influential centre Lukhanyo Am (knee) and stalwart flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit (shoulder) will sit out the early season fixtures. Also sidelined are:
- Cameron Hanekom (hamstring)
- Juarno Augustus (back)
- Gerhard Steenekamp (knee)
- Ntuthuko Mchunu (knee)
All six will return to their domestic sides for rehab and remain firmly in the Boks’ plans once fit again.
Depth Releases: Still in the Frame
Five more players were released back to their franchises—not due to performance, but because Erasmus believes there is ample depth in their positions for now. All remain on standby should the call come:
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Jordan Hendrikse
- Quan Horn
- Renzo du Plessis
- Ntokozo Makhaza
The message is clear: keep playing well, stay ready.
One New Call-Up: Boan Venter Joins the Bok Camp
The only new name added to the squad is Boan Venter, the Edinburgh prop and former Cheetahs front-rower. After a string of standout performances in the Vodacom URC and EPCR Challenge Cup, the loosehead has earned his first Springbok call-up.
Venter is expected to link up with the squad on Sunday, 29 June, ahead of the blockbuster clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June.
Looking Ahead: Barbarians, Italy, and Georgia Await
With the Barbarians up first at Cape Town Stadium, followed by two Tests against Italy and one against Georgia in July, Erasmus and his coaching staff are now entering the tactical phase of preparations.
Bulls players, including key names like Ruan Nortjé and David Kriel, are set to join the squad after their URC final against Leinster. RG Snyman, Handré Pollard, and Thomas du Toit are also expected to arrive in the coming days.
Current 45-Man Springbok Squad
Props:
Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Vincent Koch, Neethling Fouché, Wilco Louw, Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Hookers:
Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Marnus van der Merwe
Locks:
Eben Etzebeth, Salmaan Moerat, Jean Kleyn, Cobus Wiese, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Ruan Nortjé, Franco Mostert
Loose Forwards:
Siya Kolisi, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos, Jasper Wiese
Utility Forwards:
Jean-Luc du Preez, Vincent Tshituka
Scrumhalves:
Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg
Flyhalves:
Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Handré Pollard
Centres:
Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Ethan Hooker
Outside Backs:
Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi, Damian Willemse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie
As the Springboks gear up for a high-stakes international season, the trimming of the squad marks a shift from pre-season promise to performance pressure. The message from Rassie is clear: form, fitness, and flexibility will determine who runs out in green and gold this winter.
