Springboks Wrap Up Alignment Camp, On-Field Prep to Begin
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the team’s second and final alignment camp, which concluded on Thursday. The camp, held in Cape Town, aimed to lay the groundwork for the international season, and Erasmus believes the necessary building blocks are in place.
The camp included boardroom sessions, a gym session, and a visit to SARU House on Thursday. Erasmus mentioned that the team’s young players, who haven’t been part of the system before, are starting to feel more comfortable. The camp also provided an opportunity for injured players to participate virtually.
Erasmus added that over 60 players have been part of the two alignment camps, which has allowed them to spread the net and ensure everyone received a fair start. He emphasized that it’s easy to talk now, but it has to translate onto the field.
Next Steps for the Springboks
Erasmus will name his training squad for next month’s camp in the next two weeks. The Boks will begin their on-field preparations for the season-opening double-header against the Barbarians and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe on June 20.
The team’s schedule includes Test matches against England, Scotland, and Wales as part of the Nations Championship. They will also face Argentina and the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Read more about the Springboks’ alignment camp
Springboks Fixtures for 2026
The Springboks’ schedule for 2026 includes:
* June 20: Warm-up against Barbarians (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)
* July 4: Test Match against England (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
* July 11: Test Match against Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
* July 18: Test Match against Wales (Kings Park, Durban)
* August 8: Test Match against Argentina (Estadio Jose Amalfitani, Buenos Aires)
Tickets for the Boks’ home Tests can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.
Players Invited to the Second In-Person Alignment Camp
The following players were invited to the second in-person alignment camp:
Forwards:
* Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, Andre-Hugo Venter (all Stormers)
* Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (all Lions)
* Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls)
* Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Emmanuel Tshituka (all Sharks)
Backs:
* Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard (all Bulls)
* Andre Esterhuizen, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (all Sharks)
* Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Morne van den Berg (all Lions)
* Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (both Stormers)
