The Springboks have just cut their squad back to a group of 45 players ahead of the 2025 season, which begins against the Barbarians on 28 June.
Rassie Erasmus’ charges are now close to a full contingent of players following the arrival of the Bulls players, Leinster lock RG Snyman, and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Handre Pollard after their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership.
The only two players who have yet to report for duty are prop Thomas du Toit and the latest addition to the squad, Boan Venter, who will join their teammates at different stages in the next week, according to international regulations.
It’s believed that Du Toit will initially join the Springboks within the next week, while Venter will join the squad on Sunday 29 June, which does mean that both will almost certainly miss the Barbarians game.
However, they should be in contention for selection for the Incoming Series against Italy and Georgia.
Commenting on Venter’s call-up, Erasmus said: “Boan has been consistent for Edinburgh in the URC and the EPCR Challenge Cup, and he is familiar with the South African structures after playing for the Cheetahs and coming through our junior ranks, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action on the field.”
Springboks edge closer to action
The Springboks face the BaaBaas for the Qatar Airways Cup next Saturday (28 June), before lining up against Italy in back-to-back Tests in Pretoria (5 July) and Gqeberha (12 July) before they wrap up the Incoming Series against Georgia in Nelspruit (19 July).
The Springboks will return home on Thursday to spend time with their families and will reassemble in Cape Town on Sunday for their historic encounter against the Barbarians.
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