The Springboks have announced their Test squad for the 2026 season, which kicks off against England in Johannesburg on July 4. The squad includes 28 forwards and 18 backline players, with several uncapped players earning their first call-up.
Four forwards and two backs have made their debut in the squad, including Paul de Villiers, Riley Norton, Ruben van Heerden, and Carlu Sadie from the forward pack, and Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams from the backline. Experienced players, such as Herchel Jantjies, who was a member of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad, have also returned to the team after a hiatus.
A total of 12 Bulls players, who were unable to participate in the Barbarians match, have been included in the squad, including Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, and Embrose Papier. Papier, who played his last Test match in 2018, returns to the team after an eight-year absence.
The squad will depart for Johannesburg on Sunday to resume their training camp, with the Junior Springbok players set to join their team-mates for their preparations for the showpiece in Georgia.
The Springboks will play their first Test match against England in Johannesburg on July 4, followed by clashes against Scotland in Pretoria on July 11 and Wales in Durban on July 18.
The team will then travel to Buenos Aires to play a one-off Test against Los Pumas on August 8. This will be a key test for the Springboks, who will be looking to maintain their competitiveness in the face of a strong Pumas side.
Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks coach, has shown faith in the young players, giving them a chance to prove themselves at the highest level. The squad is a mix of experience and youth, with several players in their first year in the team.
The Springboks will be under pressure to perform well in this season's Test matches, with several strong teams in the competition. The team will be looking to maintain their winning streak and stay competitive in the face of tough opposition.
Rassie Erasmus has been at the helm of the Springboks since 2022, leading the team to several victories. The Springboks' squad for the 2026 season has several top players, including Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Handre Pollard.
Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks' lock, has been a key player for the team since his debut in 2012. He has been a consistent performer, earning over 100 caps for the team. Siya Kolisi, the Springboks' flanker, has been a leader for the team since 2016, earning over 50 caps.
Handre Pollard, the Springboks' flyhalf, has been a key player for the team since his debut in 2016. He has been a consistent performer, earning over 50 caps for the team.
The Springboks have a rich history in rugby, with many notable victories and achievements. The team has won several World Cups, including the 2019 tournament in Japan. The Springboks have also won several Tri Nations championships and the Rugby Championship.
The squad's average age is 27 years old, with several players in their first year in the team. The squad's average caps per player is 25, with several players having over 50 caps.
Key Facts
- 46 players in the Springboks' Test squad
- 28 forwards and 18 backline players
- Four uncapped forwards and two uncapped backs
- 12 Bulls players included in the squad
- Herchel Jantjies returns to the team after an eight-year absence
- Squad's average age is 27 years old
- Squad's average caps per player is 25
- Springboks will play their first Test match against England in Johannesburg on July 4
- Squad will depart for Johannesburg on Sunday to resume their training camp