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1,234 items · Springboks · Reports
Fassi heads to Japan on sabbatical as Sharks confirm 2026/27 absence
Aphelele Fassi will join a Japanese Rugby League One club for the 2026/27 season on sabbatical, returning to the Sharks in July 2027 under the terms of his renewed contract.
Boks regroup in Johannesburg ahead of Nations Championship opener against England
The Springboks wrap up a week of Johannesburg training on Thursday and reassemble Sunday for Test-week preparations ahead of their Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on July 4.
How former Lions doctor's refusal to testify sealed Ntlabakanye's 18-month ban
The IDT's 44-page ruling in the Asenathi Ntlabakanye doping case reveals that former Lions team doctor Rob Collins refused to testify in the prop's defence, a decision the tribunal identified as critical to the outcome. Ntlabakanye, banned for 18 months until November 2027, argued the prohibited substances entered his system entirely through the Lions' internal medical structure, but the panel found his reliance on that system — genuine as it was — fell short of the 'utmost caution' standard required under anti-doping rules.
Springboks host Wales at Kings Park on 18 July in Nations Championship opener
South Africa host Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 18 July (17:40 local) in the Nations Championship, with Andrew Brace refereeing and SuperSport broadcasting.
Erasmus satisfied as Springboks complete Nations Championship training camp
The Springboks concluded their Nations Championship training camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, with head coach Rassie Erasmus expressing satisfaction at the groundwork laid ahead of the competition opener against England. The squad will reassemble on Sunday to begin official Test-week preparations for the 4 July fixture at Ellis Park, following productive sessions that addressed learnings from warm-up matches against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe.
Augustus still in Springboks' plans despite Nations Championship absence
Rassie Erasmus confirms Juarno Augustus remains in Springbok plans but is currently injured and unavailable for the Nations Championship, with the Ulster back-rower still awaiting a first Test cap.
Erasmus confirms squad rotation plans as De Jager and Mostert race fitness clocks
Erasmus confirms the 46-man squad is not his only selection pool for July, with De Jager a fitness doubt for the England Test and Mostert set to miss the first game at minimum.
Rassie satisfied as Boks shift into Test mode ahead of England opener
Rassie Erasmus says he is satisfied with the Springboks' preparation heading into next Saturday's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.
Boks wrap Johannesburg camp ahead of England opener
The Springboks have wrapped their Johannesburg training camp and reassemble Sunday for Test-week preparations ahead of their Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park on 4 July.
Springboks lead World Rugby rankings by 3.61 points ahead of Nations Championship
South Africa top the World Rugby rankings on 93.94 points, 3.61 clear of New Zealand, as the Springboks head into the inaugural Nations Championship. World Rugby has also confirmed the removal of home weighting from the rankings system from 1 July 2026.
Wales lose hooker Belcher to neck injury ahead of Springbok clash
Wales hooker Liam Belcher has been ruled out of the Nations Championship, including the Test against South Africa, with a neck injury suffered in Cardiff's URC quarterfinal against the Stormers.
England adopt no-excuses stance ahead of Ellis Park Test opener
England travel for their summer tour on Wednesday with Jamie George as captain and a no-excuses stance on their demanding itinerary, as Rassie Erasmus acknowledges the difficulty of reading a Borthwick-coached England ahead of the July 4 Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park.
Norton over Van der Mescht: Erasmus explains lock call as fit, not form
Rassie Erasmus has defended Riley Norton's promotion to the Springbok squad ahead of Northampton's JJ van der Mescht, insisting the decision hinged on tactical fit rather than a judgement of quality. The 20-year-old Junior Springbok captain impressed in the 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha, completing 80 minutes and scoring a try. Erasmus stressed the two locks offer contrasting skill sets, with Norton's lineout leadership and mobility suiting current requirements.
Rassie pleased with Papier's reintegration into Springbok set-up
Rassie Erasmus says Embrose Papier has integrated smoothly back into the Springbok set-up after the Bulls' URC final loss to Leinster.
Erasmus praises England threat ahead of Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park
Rassie Erasmus has expressed utmost respect for England as the Springboks prepare to host the visitors in the inaugural Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park on 4 July. The Springbok coach highlighted England's blend of youth and experience, warning his side will need to work hard to secure victory in Johannesburg.
Smith vows England will 'leave it all out there' against Springboks
Marcus Smith says England's 36-man squad, arriving in Johannesburg on Thursday, are targeting a historic win over the Springboks in the Nations Championship opener, having trained in oxygen masks to prepare for the Highveld.
Erasmus dismisses log-table tactics as Boks prepare for Nations Championship bow
Rassie Erasmus has insisted South Africa will not chase bonus points or alter their approach for the inaugural Nations Championship, despite the competition's league format. The Springbok coach emphasised winning matches remains the priority as his side prepare to face England at Ellis Park next Saturday, with captain Siya Kolisi retaining the armband for the tournament opener.
Erasmus warns Boks: England bring youth, experience and tactical unpredictability to Ellis Park
Rassie Erasmus has praised England's touring squad as young, experienced and tactically unpredictable ahead of the Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park on 4 July, while Siya Kolisi returns as captain for a fixture that marked his first Test captaincy in 2018.
Rassie flags lock fitness concern ahead of England opener
Rassie Erasmus says an experienced Springbok lock is in a race against time to be fit for the Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park.
Kolisi highlights discipline lapses despite Springboks' 80-point Barbarians rout
Siya Kolisi acknowledged the Springboks achieved most of their objectives in Saturday's 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha, but the captain identified defensive lapses and deviations from the game plan as areas requiring attention. Former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, leading the invitational side, praised South Africa's depth following the 12-try performance.