Two uncapped players to attend first Springbok alignment camp
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus invited 21 players, including uncapped Carlü Sadie and JJ van der Mescht, to a virtual alignment camp, joining Rugby World Cup winners to prepare for the 2026 international season.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus added two new players to the group who will attend the first virtual Springbok alignment camp on Tuesday, with former Junior Springbok prop Carlü Sadie and lock JJ van der Mescht being among the 21 players from around the world who have cracked the nod.
Sadie, who is currently plying his trade in France with Bordeaux Begles, and Van der Mescht, from the Northampton Saints in England, are the only uncapped players in the group.
They will feature alongside 16 Rugby World Cup-winners.
Back in the mix are scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, a member of the triumphant 2019 RWC squad who last played for the Boks in 2023, and centre Lukhanyo Am, whose last Test was in 2024.
The other RWC winners invited to the camp are World Rugby and SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, as well as fellow forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, and Jasper Wiese.
Backline players Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe and Manie Libbok have also been invited.
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This camp follows the first in-person camp earlier this month, where 49 players reported for duty in Cape Town.
“Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at an 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 added: “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.”
Erasmus and his coaching team will host their second alignment camp in Cape Town, followed by another virtual alignment camp in May, both crucial in preparing the players for the first training camp.
