Mbonambi and Koch Miss Out as Rassie Announces Springboks Squad for Northern Hemisphere Tour

Rassie Erasmus Names 36-Man Squad for Springboks’ Northern Hemisphere Tour

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a 36-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming northern hemisphere tour.

Former Junior Springbok and Stormers prop Zachary Porthen is the only new face in the touring group, while four players — Ben-Jason Dixon, Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Jean Kleyn — return to the national setup after missing earlier fixtures this year.

The Boks will play five consecutive Tests starting against Japan at Wembley Stadium on November 1, followed by France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales on successive weekends.

Big Names Left Out

Two-time Rugby World Cup winners Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch were the most notable omissions, with Mbonambi listed among the standby players and Koch missing out entirely. There was also no place for Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe.

The standby list includes uncapped Ulster star Juarno Augustus, Bulls back Sebastian de Klerk, and several seasoned names such as Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, and Evan Roos.

Porthen the Only Uncapped Player

At just 22 years old, Zachary Porthen has quickly risen through the ranks, making his United Rugby Championship debut for the Stormers in May. His inclusion highlights Erasmus’ continued commitment to blending youth with experience as South Africa builds toward future campaigns.

Porthen will join the team as they depart for London this weekend, traveling in groups from their respective clubs and franchises.

Key Players Return from Injury

Several familiar faces will also make long-awaited returns after injury layoffs. Jean Kleyn, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe are back in the mix, bolstering both the forward and backline depth.

The touring squad consists of 21 forwards and 15 backs, providing a balanced structure for the demanding five-match schedule ahead.

Siya Kolisi Nears Historic Milestone

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is poised to reach a major career milestone on this tour. Having earned his 98th Test cap in the recent 29–27 win over Argentina, he is now just two matches away from joining South Africa’s elite group of Test centurions.

The Boks’ victory over Argentina also saw them clinch the Rugby Championship title for the second consecutive year, setting a confident tone for their European campaign.

Injuries Rule Out Key Stars

Several players were unavailable for selection due to injury, including Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Jean-Luc du Preez, and Aphelele Fassi. Despite their absence, Erasmus expressed confidence in the depth of the current squad.