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1,234 items · Springboks · Reports
Nations Championship launch offers northern hemisphere chance to prove World Cup credentials
The inaugural Nations Championship begins at Ellis Park on Saturday when South Africa host England in a tournament that organisers hope will serve as a proving ground for northern hemisphere sides ahead of the 2027 World Cup. England face the most demanding travel schedule of any competitor, with fixtures in Johannesburg, Liverpool and Argentina across three weeks. Rassie Erasmus has suggested he may not treat the competition with the same intensity as other tournaments, though the Springboks remain favourites to claim the title.
Erasmus admits ex-England analyst Lewis gives Springboks edge ahead of Ellis Park clash
Rassie Erasmus has acknowledged that the appointment of Joe Lewis, England's former head analyst, provides the Springboks with an advantage ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park. Lewis, who worked with England from 2017 until the conclusion of the recent Six Nations, joined SA Rugby a fortnight after the tournament ended.
Erasmus names power-packed Bok side as Libbok wins No 10 race for England opener
Rassie Erasmus has named a starting XV with more than 900 caps for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park, with Manie Libbok earning the flyhalf berth. The selection features the return of Eben Etzebeth from suspension and young prop Zachary Porthen on the bench, while Erasmus indicated he expects England to adopt an expansive approach influenced by their Northampton Saints contingent.
Porthen edges Louw as Erasmus backs youth for England opener
Zachary Porthen has been handed the tighthead bench role for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park, with Rassie Erasmus opting for the 22-year-old over the more experienced Wilco Louw. The Springbok coach cited Porthen's impressive scrummaging sessions and mobility, while confirming Louw needed time to settle after a difficult period that included illness and a family bereavement. The selection represents a significant vote of confidence in the young prop's long-term prospects.
Rassie: Ex-England analyst gives Boks edge ahead of Nations Championship clash
Rassie Erasmus says former England analyst Joe Lewis gives the Boks an edge ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash at Ellis Park.
Earl dismisses revenge narrative as England brace for Springbok test at Ellis Park
England loose forward Ben Earl has dismissed a revenge narrative ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park, saying England are focused on their own game rather than settling scores from the 2023 World Cup semifinal defeat and last year's 29-20 loss to South Africa.
Erasmus explains Louw omission and confirms Norton out for up to ten weeks with grade-three hamstring tear
Erasmus has explained Wilco Louw's omission from the Springbok 23 on grounds of accumulated physical and personal strain, while confirming Riley Norton is out for eight to ten weeks after tearing his hamstring in training, ending any prospect of a debut against England.
Erasmus backs Porthen as long-term Louw successor ahead of England Test
Erasmus has publicly backed Zachary Porthen as the long-term successor to Wilco Louw at tighthead, with Louw rested for personal reasons ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.
SuperSport giving away tickets to Bok matches across 2026 season
SuperSport is giving away tickets to nearly every Springbok fixture in 2026 — from the home Nations Championship and Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series to the November tour and London finals — as part of a DStv Premium subscriber draw.
Norton's Test debut dashed by Grade Three hamstring tear ahead of England opener
Riley Norton's Springbok debut against England on Saturday has been ended by a Grade Three hamstring tear sustained in training, with Rassie Erasmus confirming an eight-to-ten week recovery. The injury compounds South Africa's second-row problems, with Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager also unavailable.
Norton's Test debut dashed by Grade Three hamstring tear as Bok lock stocks thin further
Riley Norton's Test debut against England has been ended by a Grade Three hamstring tear sustained in training, with Rassie Erasmus estimating an eight-to-ten week recovery. The injury deepens South Africa's second-row crisis, with Mostert and De Jager also unavailable.
Libbok gets the nod at flyhalf for England Test opener
Manie Libbok starts at flyhalf for the Springboks against England at Ellis Park in the opening Nations Championship Test on Saturday.
England arrive at Ellis Park with nothing to lose as Borthwick reshapes squad
England travel to Johannesburg for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against the Springboks in the midst of significant transition. Steve Borthwick has named five uncapped players in a 36-man touring party and will field Jamie George as captain in place of the rested Maro Itoje. The visitors face a Springbok side mindful of their own Ellis Park vulnerability after last year's heavy defeat to Australia at the same venue.
Tandy to cut Wales squad ahead of Nations Championship campaign
Steve Tandy will cut Wales' 48-man squad to 32–34 players early next week ahead of their Nations Championship campaign, which includes a Test against the Springboks.
US Consulate General welcomes Springboks ahead of historic Baltimore Test
The U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg has welcomed the Springboks ahead of the September 12 Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore — the first-ever Springboks-All Blacks clash on American soil and the fourth Test of the 2026 Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
JP Pietersen backs Vusi Moyo to thrive at Test level
JP Pietersen says Vusi Moyo has the big-match temperament to thrive in the Springbok environment.
Koch try not enough as Wales edge Faf's Barbarians at Twickenham
Vincent Koch scored for the Barbarians at Twickenham but Wales edged the Faf de Klerk-led side in a hard-fought match.
Fassi to take Japan sabbatical as Sharks face fullback shortage
Aphelele Fassi will spend the 2026/27 season in Japan as part of a sabbatical clause in his Sharks contract, returning to Durban in July 2027. The move leaves the Sharks without three fullbacks for next season, with Hakeem Kunene and Luan Giliomee both having departed to the Bulls.
Koch try not enough as Wales edge Faf's Barbarians at Twickenham
Vincent Koch scored for the Barbarians but Wales edged the Faf-led side in a tight contest at Twickenham.
Paulse backs Erasmus's youth gamble as Springboks build depth towards 2027
Breyton Paulse has praised Rassie Erasmus for fast-tracking Junior Springboks into the senior squad ahead of the Nations Championship, highlighting a cultural shift from his own playing days. The 46-man squad includes three uncapped U20 graduates and reflects a deliberate strategy to build depth without discarding experienced campaigners. Paulse singled out Stormers flanker Paul de Villiers as one to watch after an outstanding URC and Champions Cup season.