The Springboks have convened their second in-person alignment camp in Cape Town, gathering a “purpose and goal-driven” 40-man squad featuring a mix of seasoned players and exciting new talent. Running from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May, the camp includes 25 forwards and 15 backline players, with a clear objective from head coach Rassie Erasmus to build squad depth for the next two seasons and beyond, especially given several experienced national players are currently sidelined by injury.

Among the invitees are two notable newcomers, Sibabalwe Mahashe, a talented loose forward from the Lions, and Zekhethelo Siyaya, a teenage star from the Sharks, both earning their first call-ups to a Springbok alignment camp. They are joined by players who have attended previous camps, including Embrose Papier, Francke Horn, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Henco van Wyk. The squad also boasts 10 uncapped players: Paul de Villiers, Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Riley Norton, Haashim Pead, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Emmanuel Tshituka, Henco van Wyk, and Jaco Williams, six of whom were part of the first alignment camp in March.

Rassie Erasmus expressed his satisfaction with the selections, noting, “This is an exciting group of players, and it’s been pleasing to see them make their presence felt in the United Rugby Championship and during their teams’ Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup campaigns this season.” He emphasized the camp’s role in exposing these players to the national team’s setup and the high standards expected, stating, “This camp will be a good opportunity to expose those invited to our setup and the standards expected of the national coaches. We’re looking forward to involving Sibabalwe, Zekhethelo, Andre, Embrose, Francke, and Henco at this camp as we continue to build our squad depth.” Erasmus clarified that players not present due to injury or workload remain in the team’s plans, and the camp aims to align those currently fit and firing with the Springbok operational model, ensuring readiness for future international opportunities.

A significant focus of the camp is on nurturing young talent like Sibabalwe Mahashe and Zekhethelo Siyaya, who have rapidly ascended the ranks. Sibabalwe Mahashe, a flanker for the Lions, hails from East London and attended Hudson Park High School. He has a decorated junior career, having captained Border at U13 Craven Week, led the SA Schools side, and earned a Junior Springbok call-up. Often compared to a young Siya Kolisi, Mahashe joined the Lions’ youth structures, captained their U21 side, and quickly broke into senior rugby. He made his senior debut against Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup and an impressive URC debut against the Sharks, scoring a try in a winning effort. In seven URC appearances, he has scored four tries and contributed to a six-match unbeaten run. His playing style is characterized by hard work at the breakdown, robust carrying, consistent body position, disciplined competition, and effective link play, leading teammates and coaches to already view him as a future captain at just 22 years old.

Zekhethelo Siyaya, a flyhalf/utility back for the Sharks, finished matric at Westville Boys’ High in 2025 and has quickly progressed to URC rugby. Originally from Paulpietersburg in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, Siyaya had an outstanding 2024 season, scoring 17 tries in 16 matches across school, provincial, and national appearances, including a hat-trick for SA Schools and a brace for SA U18. Sharks coach JP Pietersen fast-tracked him into the senior setup, and his URC debut against the Ospreys showcased his sharp footwork, aerial dominance, reliable boot, and composure in first-receiver roles at only 18. His predatory and instinctive style is evident in his ability to read gaps, beat defenders, and gain significant meters, as well as his defensive prowess, exemplified by a solid tackle on veteran Italian No 8 Lorenzo Cannone. His natural ability to hold defenders before releasing the ball late is a skill many flyhalves take years to develop, drawing attention from both Pietersen and Erasmus.

The invited players to the second in-person Springbok alignment camp are as follows:

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 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).

Looking ahead, the Springboks have a busy international season planned for 2026. It will kick off with a double-header in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June, where the Boks will face the Barbarians, and the SA ‘A’ team will play Zimbabwe. This is followed by three home matches in the Nations Championship:

• 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)

The highly anticipated “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series against the All Blacks will feature four Tests:

• 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)

The second leg of the Nations Championship will see the Springboks travel to Europe:

• 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)

The international season will conclude with the Finals Weekend in London from 27 to 29 November.