Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has added fresh muscle to his planning for the international season, inviting two uncapped forwards to join a powerful group for the first virtual Springbok alignment camp on Tuesday.
Former Junior Springboks Carlü Sadie and JJ van der Mescht have been called into the 21-man group drawn from clubs across the globe. The pair will pack down alongside 16 Rugby World Cup winners as Erasmus sharpens the national team’s blueprint for the season ahead.
Sadie, currently scrumming down for Union Bordeaux Bègles in France, and Van der Mescht, who patrols the engine room for Northampton Saints in England, are the only uncapped players in the squad.
Two uncapped former #JuniorBoks have been invited to the #Springboks virtual alignment camp along with a core of experienced players – more here: https://t.co/0S509n1cld 💻#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/zRjsbNGVnb
— Springboks (@Springboks) March 17, 2026
Back in the Springbok conversation are Herschel Jantjies and Lukhanyo Am. Jantjies, a member of the triumphant 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, last wore the green and gold in 2023, while Am’s previous Test appearance came in 2024.
The alignment camp features a spine of battle-hardened champions, including World Rugby and SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, along with Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman and Jasper Wiese in the forwards.
The backline includes Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Manie Libbok.
Two virtual sessions will be held to accommodate players across multiple time zones. Erasmus and his coaching team will outline the Boks’ macro plan for the year and unpack the tactical framework expected at Test level.
The meeting follows an earlier in-person alignment camp in Cape Town where 49 players reported for duty.
“Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players,” said Erasmus.
“The main purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page and ensure that they understand our values and what we are trying to achieve on the field, and with the international season drawing closer, it’s a good time to get the players tuned into our systems and structures, so by the time we have our first official training camp in June, everyone is aware of what we expect from them.”
Erasmus said the inclusion of Sadie and Van der Mescht rewards form shown in Europe’s club competitions.
“Carlü and JJ have performed really well for their clubs this season, and players such as Herschel and Lukhanyo, last played for us a while ago, so it’s important that they are up to date with how our systems have changed and what our key pillars are, so it is pleasing to see them among this experienced group of international players.”
The alignment camps form the early phases of South Africa’s preparation for a demanding Test calendar that begins on 20 June against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
The Springboks then host England national rugby union team in Johannesburg on 4 July, Scotland national rugby union team in Pretoria on 11 July and Wales national rugby union team in Durban on 18 July in the Nations Championship.
Later in the season the Boks travel to Buenos Aires to face Argentina national rugby union team before locking horns with the New Zealand national rugby union team in four Tests in the famed Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The campaign will also include a trip to Australia to face the Australia national rugby union team on 27 September before the Nations Championship shifts to Europe with Tests against Italy national rugby union team, France national rugby union team and Ireland national rugby union team ahead of the finals in London.
Players invited to first virtual Springbok alignment camp:
Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok. Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.
