Elrigh Louw has been called up to the Springbok squad for the Nations Championship with immediate effect, as Rassie Erasmus contends with an increasingly stretched forward group.
The Bulls back-rower's addition follows the injury-enforced exits of Riley Norton, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager. Louw arrives too late to be considered for Saturday's Test against England at Ellis Park, but is in contention for the subsequent matches against Scotland and Wales.
Louw's last Test appearance came in 2024 against Wales. A knee injury then sidelined him for the bulk of last season, though he returned strongly for the Bulls, making 18 appearances across all competitions and starting their URC final against Leinster. He also featured in Springbok alignment camps earlier this year.
The 13-cap flank is expected to provide a specialist breakdown and loose-forward option in the wider squad, though his versatility at lock — a role he has filled at Test level and which he first occupied for the Junior Boks in 2019 — gives Erasmus additional flexibility at a time when the second-row stocks are depleted.
Ethan Hooker has also rejoined the squad, returning from a shoulder injury.