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Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has officially kicked off the international season after inviting 49 players to his first alignment camp set to take place in Cape Town next week.
It’s an experienced group of players that includes 14 members of the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, along with several URC stalwarts who have put their hands up for national call-ups over multiple seasons.
Erasmus has also called up five young guns from the u20 side, as well as schoolboy sensation Markus Muller.
The Bok mastermind is known for backing youngsters early, and the composition of this squad suggests several new caps will be awarded this year.
ATR takes a look at five players who could don the green and gold in 2026.
Paul de Villiers – Stormers
Paul de Villiers has been in sublime form for the Stormers this season, and his inclusion raises no question marks.
The blindside flanker is one of the most exciting young players in South Africa and has adapted well to professional rugby. He’s made the number 6 jersey his own and has performed consistently for the Cape outfit.
His breakdown work is a key strength of his game, while his ball carrying continues to improve. De Villiers is a total workhorse, a typical Springbok loose forward who loves to get his hands dirty.
He’s also strong defensively, makes impactful hits, and rarely makes an error, which could cost his side. For these reasons, Erasmus will be looking at introducing him to the international game soon.
Batho Hlekani – Lions
Hlekani, just like De Villiers, has become highly rated within the South African rugby circles, and rightfully so.
Since coming onto the scene, the young bulldozer has shown promise and demonstrated that he’s ready to take the next step in his career.
He’s a utility back and can play on either side of the scrum and at No. 8, a versatility Erasmus tends to favour. Hlekani trained with the Boks in Johannesburg last year and by now should know the standards expected of anyone rubbing shoulders with two-time World Cup champions.
While Erasmus won’t be desperate to fast-track his progress, some minutes on the field this year could prove valuable with a view to the future.
Sebastian de Klerk – Vodacom Bulls
He’s been touted as a future Springbok, and his URC form has been rewarded with a call-up to the national team’s alignment camp.
The electric Bulls utility back has been one of the shining lights for his team amidst a poor run of form, beset by challenges.
De Klerk has shown great skills over the past couple of months, and whether you put him on the left or right wing or at fullback, he’s always ready to get the job done.
He was also invited to an alignment camp last year but didn’t get a look-in during the season. His addition this time around suggests that Erasmus has liked what he’s seen and wants to introduce him into the Bok setup.
Riley Norton – Stormers
It almost feels wrong to suggest Riley Norton could make his Bok debut before even debuting for the Stormers in the URC.
Yet with Rassie, anything is possible, and past decisions suggest it’s not out of the question.
Norton has been instrumental for the Junior Boks, leading them to glory at last year’s Junior World Cup.
Erasmus has recently expressed concern about the team’s stocks in the lock position, and that could open up a door for the youngster.
While several players are more experienced than Norton, the two-time World Cup-winning coach could make a bold call and give him a chance with an eye on the future.
Beyond his lineout expertise, Norton is a natural leader, moves well around the park, and is always ready for the big collisions. He’ll also learn from the likes of Eben Etzebeth while in camp.
Cheswill Jooste – Vodacom Bulls
Cheswill Jooste is among the exciting young players in South Africa and deserves to get a look-in for this upcoming season.
That doesn’t mean he’ll start the so-called big games, but there are matches, as the Barbarians clash in June, which could be a perfect outing to see whether he’s made for international rugby or not.
The Bulls speedster is only 19 years old, but as we’ve seen in the past, age is just a number with Erasmus. The Boks are still stacked in the wing department, but adding some fresh young talent would bolster that department even more.
Continuity and consistency have been the driving forces behind Rassie’s selections in recent years, so Jooste shouldn’t be expected to leapfrog experienced players. Just one appearance in 2026 could be enough.