Springboks Prepare for 2026 Season with Alignment Camp

The Springboks are gearing up for the 2026 campaign with an alignment camp bringing together seasoned veterans and promising young players. The camp, running from March 3rd to 6th, will focus on preparations for a challenging season culminating in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Malherbe Returns to Squad After Lengthy Injury

A notable inclusion in the squad is Frans Malherbe, who has been sidelined since April of last year with a serious back problem. His return marks a significant boost for the team as they prepare for a demanding schedule.

“There’s no pressure to hurry him onto the field,” said Stormers boss John Dobson, confirming that the 76-Test prop is expected to opt for the most conservative, non-surgical of three remedial options available to him.

John Dobson, Stormers head coach

The camp will as well feature 14 Rugby World Cup winners and five U20 players, signaling a commitment to both experience and developing future talent.

New Faces and Young Talent

Several players will be attending their first Springbok alignment camp, including Emmanuel Tshituka, Jaco Williams, Paul de Villiers, and Zachary Porthen. Cheswill Jooste, Haashim Pead, and Bathobele Hlekani, who trained with the Boks last season, have been invited back.

• Riley Norton (utility forward)
• Cheswill Jooste (utility back)
• Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker)
• Kai Pratt (prop)
• Markus Muller (centre)

Season Outlook and Schedule

The Springboks will kick off their international season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on June 20th. The schedule includes matches against England, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, and the All Blacks, followed by an away Test against the Wallabies and a series of matches in Europe.

“The coaches and management staff have been working around the clock to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what will be a challenging season, and all the operational and logistical aspects are in place for everything to run as smoothly as possible, so we are excited for the season ahead.”

Rassie Erasmus, Springboks coach

Full Squad List

Forwards: Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Siphosethu Mnebebele, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Frans Malherbe, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, Bathobele Hlekani, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter.

Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Markus Muller, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Morne van den Berg.

FAQ

• Is Frans Malherbe fully recovered? Frans Malherbe is returning to the squad but is still undergoing rehabilitation for a serious back problem.
• When does the Springboks season begin? The Springboks season begins on June 20th against the Barbarians.
• How many new players are in the alignment camp? Several players are attending their first alignment camp, including Emmanuel Tshituka, Jaco Williams, Paul de Villiers, and Zachary Porthen.