Springboks Unveil 40-Man Squad for Cape Town Alignment Camp
SA Rugby has announced a 40-man Springbok squad, comprising 25 forwards and 15 backline players, for their second in-person alignment camp in Cape Town from Tuesday, 19 May to Thursday, 21 May. This squad includes 10 uncapped players with mostly URC and Junior Bok experience. Notable inclusions are Sibabalwe Mahashe and Zekhethelo Siyaya, two exciting young players who have made a significant impact in senior professional rugby.
Meet Sibabalwe Mahashe: The Lions Flanker
Mahashe, a flanker for the Lions, has rapidly risen through the ranks. Born in East London, he attended Hudson Park High School, the same institution that produced Odwa and Akona Ndungane. Mahashe captained Border at under-13 Craven Week and led the SA Schools side before earning a Junior Springbok call-up. His impressive skills have drawn comparisons to a young Siya Kolisi. Since breaking into senior rugby, Mahashe has scored four tries in seven URC appearances and has been part of a six-match unbeaten run.
Discovering Zekhethelo Siyaya: The Sharks Utility Back
Zekhethelo Siyaya, a flyhalf/utility back for the Sharks, has also caught the attention of coaches and supporters. At just 18 years old, Siyaya has already made his URC debut and showcased his sharp footwork, aerial dominance, and reliable boot. His predatory and instinctive playing style has drawn praise from Sharks coach JP Pietersen. Siyaya’s ability to read the game and make crucial tackles has earned him a spot in the Springbok squad.
Uncapped Players in the Springbok Fold
The uncapped players in the Springbok squad include:
Forwards:
– Paul de Villiers
– Bathobele Hlekani
– Francke Horn
– Sibabalwe Mahashe
– Riley Norton
– Emmanuel Tshituka
Backs:
– Haashim Pead
– Zekhethelo Siyaya
– Henco van Wyk
– Jaco Williams
Springbok Fixtures in 2026
The Springboks have a busy schedule in 2026, with several key matches lined up:
– Nations Championship (Home)
– 4 July: South Africa vs England (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
– 11 July: South Africa vs Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
– 18 July: South Africa vs Wales (Kings Park, Durban)
– “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” vs All Blacks
– 22 Aug: 1st Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
– 29 Aug: 2nd Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
– 5 Sept: 3rd Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)
– 12 Sept: 4th Test: South Africa vs New Zealand (M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA)
– Nations Championship (Away)
– 7 Nov: Italy vs South Africa (Venue TBC)
– 13 Nov: France vs South Africa (Stade de France, Paris)
– 21 Nov: Ireland vs South Africa (Aviva Stadium, Dublin)
– Additional Once-Off 2026 Fixtures:
– 20 June: Warm-up: Springboks vs Barbarians (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)
– 8 Aug: Test Match: Argentina vs Springboks (Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires)
– 27 Sept: Test Match: Wallabies vs Springboks (Optus Stadium, Perth)
