Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has called in two uncapped players in the form of Carlü Sadie and JJ van der Mescht to his 21-man group for the latest virtual alignment camp.
Elsewhere, Herschel Jantjies and Lukhanyo Am also make their return to the Test picture, having not worn the green and gold jersey since 2023 and 2024 respectively, and are among 16 World Cup winners in the group.
The quartet have been included in Erasmus’ 21-player group from outside of South Africa who will attend a virtual alignment camp ahead of the 2026 Test season which sees the Boks face England, Scotland and Wales in July’s Nations Championship Tests, the All Blacks on the ‘Greatest Rivalry tour’ in August and Italy, France and Ireland in November’s Nations Championship campaign in the northern hemisphere.
They will also take on Argentina and Australia in standalone Tests in August and September, respectively.
Rassie Erasmus names 21-player virtual alignment camp group as uncapped duo included
Alongside the aforementioned quartet, Erasmus has called in the likes of World Cup winners Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Damian de Allende, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jesse Kriel, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Faf de Klerk, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese, Cheslin Kolbe and Manie Libbok.
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Elsewhere, Jean-Luc du Preez, Marnus van der Merwe and Boan Venter will also be in attendance.
Commenting on his latest selection, Erasmus said: “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.
“The main purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page and ensure that they understand our values and what we are trying to achieve on the field. With the international season drawing closer, it’s a good time to get the players tuned into our systems and structures, so by the time we have our first official training camp in June, everyone is aware of what we expect from them.”
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“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 it’s important that they are up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are. It is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players.”
This camp follows an initial in-person alignment camp for players based in South Africa, with Erasmus calling in 49 players.
With the players spread across the globe and on different time zones, the Boks will conduct two sessions where they will be presented with the year’s macro plan alongside detailed visions by Erasmus and the wider coaching group.
Players selected for Springboks virtual alignment camp in full
Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese
Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok