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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.
Mnebelele takes Junior Bok captaincy as squad arrives in Georgia
Siphosethu Mnebelele has been appointed captain of the Junior Springboks following the promotion of Riley Norton and Vusi Moyo to the senior Springbok squad for the Nations Championship. The SA U20s arrived in Tbilisi on Tuesday ahead of their World Rugby U20 Championship opener against Uruguay on Saturday.
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.
Mnebelele steps up as Junior Boks arrive in Tbilisi for JWC title defence
Hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele has been named Junior Springbok captain for the Junior World Championship in Georgia after Norton and Moyo's call-up to the senior squad, with the defending champions opening their Pool A campaign against Uruguay on Saturday at Avchala Stadium.
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.
Lake confirmed as Wales captain for Nations Championship campaign, including Springbok clash
Dewi Lake has been confirmed as Wales captain for the Nations Championship, including the clash with the Springboks, after edging out Jac Morgan following the flanker's shoulder injury in November 2025.
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.
Mnebelele takes the armband as Junior Boks arrive in Tbilisi
Siphosethu Mnebelele has been named Junior Springbok captain for the U20 World Championship in Georgia after Riley Norton and Vusi Moyo were called up to the Springbok squad, with the Junior Boks opening their Pool A campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on 27 June.
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.
Junior Bok captain Mnebelele credits Marx as his blueprint ahead of U20 World Championship defence
Junior Springbok captain Siphosethu Mnebelele has named Malcolm Marx as the model for his hooking game after spending time in the national camp, where he also drew on André-Hugo Venter and JJ Kotzé ahead of the squad's departure to Georgia to defend their U20 World Championship title.
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.
Erasmus defends Pollard despite URC final struggles as England test looms
Rassie Erasmus has dismissed concerns over Handré Pollard's form following the flyhalf's subdued display in the Bulls' 36-7 URC final defeat to Leinster. The Springbok coach insisted franchise performances do not dictate Test selection, pointing to Pollard's unblemished record in the green and gold since 2018. With England arriving at Ellis Park on 4 July, Erasmus remains confident in the 32-year-old's ability to deliver when it matters most.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu absence leaves Erasmus with flyhalf conundrum ahead of England
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's unavailability for the opening Nations Championship fixtures has forced Rassie Erasmus to recalibrate his playmaking options. With Handré Pollard anchoring the squad, the head coach must decide whether to blood uncapped Vusi Moyo or deploy utility backs in the 10 jersey against England and Scotland. The 46-man selection suggests a two-tier approach across the July window.
Kolisi flags defensive lapses despite Boks' 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians
Kolisi praised the Springboks' overall execution in their 80-31 season-opening win over the Barbarians but singled out missed first-time tackles and the resulting offload opportunities as the one area that let the invitational side into the game during the first half.
Cullen to leave Leinster in 2027 as Nienaber's future draws scrutiny
Leo Cullen will leave Leinster at the end of the 2026-27 season, with the province already searching for his successor. Jacques Nienaber's contract expires at the same time, intensifying questions about his next destination.
Embrose Papier returns to Springbok fold as Rassie Erasmus names 46-man Nations Championship squad
Scrumhalf Embrose Papier has been recalled to the Springboks' 46-man squad for the Nations Championship after a lengthy absence from the international setup. The selection comes as Rassie Erasmus casts a wide net ahead of fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales, with six uncapped players also included. Papier's return offers fresh depth at nine as South Africa begin preparations for their title defence.
De Klerk and Koch join Barbarians for Wales clash after Nations Championship snub
Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch, both left out of the Springbok Nations Championship squad, have joined the Barbarians for their match against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Siyaya concussed, Ahmed red-carded but Stick pleased with SA 'A' shutout of Zimbabwe
Zekhethelo Siyaya is in a race against time for the U20 World Championship after suffering a concussion against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha, while Yaqeen Ahmed's yellow card was upgraded to red — but Mzwandile Stick was largely satisfied with SA 'A''s shutout performance, singling out fullback Luan Giliomee for special mention.
Erasmus credits SA Rugby pipeline after Boks rout Barbarians 80-31
Erasmus praised the composure and maturity of five uncapped players after the Springboks beat the Barbarians 80-31 in Gqeberha, crediting SA Rugby's pipeline for the depth available, while playing down franchise form as a selection concern following the Bulls' heavy URC Final loss to Leinster.