With the 2027 World Cup starting to appear on the horizon, the Springboks aren’t expected to hand out too many Test debuts this season as Rassie Erasmus will likely prioritise sticking with a core group of players who are already familiar with the national set up.
However, there is one player who continues to shoot the lights out for the Stormers, and there seems to be little doubt that he is on a path that should lead to the Springboks sooner rather than later.
Young Stormers flank Paul de Villiers, who has rapidly moved from a decorated youth career into a pivotal role for the senior side, is now being regularly recognised as one of the most exciting rising stars in South African rugby.
The 22-year-old former Junior Springbok captain has been a revelation at openside flank this season for the Stormers, stepping up in the absence of injured World Cup winner Deon Fourie.
Having led Western Province U21 to their second consecutive national title in 2024, he has made a big impression in the senior team in 2025 and into 2026, proving to be a real menace both at the breakdown and with the ball in hand.
Stormers star knocking on the door of the Springboks
Through consistent weight of performances, De Villiers will undoubtedly be on the radar of the Springboks, and a call up to the national side this year looks to be a sure bet if he continues his rich vein of form.
Just this past weekend, De Villiers produced two try assists – and another Man of the Match performance – in the Stormers’ 39-26 win over the Leicester Tigers as he continued to demonstrate he has many weapons in his arsenal.
“I’d like people to see me as an all-round player,” De Villiers commented this week. “The breakdown, defence and physicality are a big part of my game and the role of a No 6, but I also like having the ball in hand.
“I want to contribute on different levels – whether that’s on defence, kick chase, or attacking and linking with the backs.”
Value to add
The Springboks should be incredibly excited by the potential of the 23-year-old, who is an out-and-out openside flank who could add real depth to the back row.
In recent seasons, Siya Kolisi and Marco van Staden have banked the most meaningful minutes at openside flank, but there is now a ‘next generation’ star who seems to have all the qualities to take the baton when the time is right.
