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19 items · Springboks
RG Snyman ruled out for up to 12 months after ACL rupture
Leinster have confirmed RG Snyman ruptured the ACL in his right knee against Glasgow Warriors on 21 March, with a recovery timeline of six to 12 months. The lock will miss the July Nations Championship Tests and the Springboks' series against the All Blacks. It is Snyman's third ACL rupture, though his first to the right knee.
Japan's League One as World Cup prep: Why Bok management is relaxed about the exodus
With Nortjé the latest Bok heading to Japan, this piece makes the case that League One's lower physical demands could actually be the ideal preparation environment for defending the World Cup in Australia.
Pollard on managing the physical and mental toll of near year-round professional rugby
Pollard opens up on coping with the demands of a near year-round rugby calendar — relevant reading for anyone tracking his form and longevity at the highest level.
Am Still in Bok Frame: Japan Stint No Barrier to Three-Peat Dream
Lukhanyo Am says his Springbok ambitions are very much alive from Japan, and his inclusion in last month's overseas alignment camp suggests the coaching staff agree he's not done yet.
Sharks cite Ospreys wing Morgan after Hooker shoulder injury in Bridgend
The Sharks have cited Ospreys wing Luke Morgan after he dived onto Ethan Hooker as the Sharks wing was scoring a try just before halftime in Bridgend, leaving Hooker with a dislocated shoulder. The injury is expected to sideline Hooker for two to three months, ending his URC season and potentially threatening his availability for the Springbok international season. Referee Mike Adamson took no action during the match, prompting the Sharks' tour management to approach the URC citing commissioner.
JP Pietersen hits back as Luke Morgan defends tackle that dislocated Hooker's shoulder
Luke Morgan insists his tackle on Ethan Hooker was clean. JP Pietersen disagrees — loudly.
Am credits overseas selection policy as key to Springbok dominance
Lukhanyo Am argues that selecting overseas-based players has been central to the Springboks' sustained success — a pointed take from someone with skin in the game.
Erasmus expects Robertson's Barbarians to deliver proper test in Gqeberha
Rassie Erasmus is anticipating a serious challenge from Scott Robertson's Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. The Springbok coach's comments signal the match is being treated as meaningful preparation rather than a formality.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header
SA 'A' returns to the field for the first time since 2022 when they face Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on June 20, doubling as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks v Barbarians match. Erasmus sees the fixture as a chance to assess players outside his current rotation group, with Zimbabwe treating it as World Cup preparation after securing their 2027 qualification.
SA 'A' returns for Zimbabwe clash as Erasmus casts wider net ahead of World Cup
The SA 'A' side returns to action for the first time since 2022 when they face Zimbabwe's Sables on June 20 in Gqeberha, as a curtain raiser to the Springboks versus Barbarians. Erasmus is using the match to assess fringe players beyond his established rotation group, with the 2027 World Cup in mind. Zimbabwe, who have qualified for Australia, see the fixture as a key preparation marker.
Pollard Backs Papier to Let His Rugby Do the Talking
Pollard says Papier's only job is to keep playing the way he is — but the scrumhalf queue is longer than ever. The piece breaks down what's at stake.
Accountability, anonymity, and a farewell to Chippie Solomon
Gavin Rich uses the Feinberg-Mngomezulu social media pile-on to argue that anonymous online criticism is fundamentally different from the accountable press era — and the piece ends with a heartfelt tribute to Stormers team manager Chippie Solomon.
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SA 'A' team returns to face Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
The SA 'A' team returns to action for the first time since 2022, facing Zimbabwe in a 12h00 curtain-raiser ahead of the Springboks' clash with the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June. Erasmus will use the match to assess fringe Springbok candidates, while Zimbabwe — Rugby World Cup qualifiers for the first time since 1991 — see it as vital 2027 preparation. The SA 'A' coach is yet to be announced.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
The SA 'A' team returns to action for the first time since 2022, facing Zimbabwe in a curtain-raiser to the Springboks' clash with the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June. Erasmus intends to use the fixture to assess fringe squad members and wider prospects, while the Sables — back at a Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991 — will treat it as key World Cup preparation. Kick-off times are 12h00 and 15h00 respectively at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
SA 'A' returns to action against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha double-header on 20 June
SA 'A' return from a near four-year absence to face Zimbabwe in a World Cup preparation fixture at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June, kicking off at 12h00 ahead of the Springboks' 15h00 clash with the Barbarians. Erasmus will use the match to assess fringe players, while the Sables — making their first Rugby World Cup since 1991 next year — treat it as a key development opportunity.
Malherbe's Secret Weapon: Adaptability, Communication — and Knowing When to Just Lie on You
Ox Nche names Frans Malherbe the best scrummager he's faced and explains why — while also revealing the mind games he uses to get the upper hand on opposing tightheads.
Nche Breaks Down What Makes Malherbe Unmatchable in the Scrum
Nche names Malherbe as the best scrummager he's faced and reveals the mind games he uses at the coalface — a candid look at the psychology behind world-class scrummaging.
Pollard backing Papier for Bok recall after Bulls form surge
Pollard is publicly backing Papier for a Springbok recall, calling his form unbelievable and saying consistency is all that stands between him and a Test jersey.