The Blackout Bulletin

RASSIE ERASMUS CALLS UP SPRINGBOKS FOR FIRST ALIGNMENT CAMP

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has initiated plans for the upcoming 2024 international rugby season by summoning 43 players to a national alignment camp in Cape Town during the first week of March.

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Out of the 43 players, 19 were pivotal members of the victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, with the majority plying their trade within South Africa. Notably, the camp will not include any players currently engaged in European rugby, with the focus solely on those involved in domestic and Japanese leagues.

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NEW FACES AND COACHING ADDITIONS

The selected group features several newcomers like Sanele Nohamba and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, alongside seasoned individuals such as Eben Etzebeth and Lukhanyo Am. Moreover, the camp will mark the inaugural gathering for the newly-expanded coaching staff, now including Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery, reinforcing the vision Rassie Erasmus had for the team’s future.

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FOCUS AND PREPARATION

Rassie Erasmus outlined the camp’s objectives, emphasizing the alignment of strategies and team ethos for the upcoming season. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising youngsters, the Springboks aim to lay a robust foundation through meticulous planning and cohesion-building exercises, readying themselves for the challenging encounters ahead against formidable opponents like Ireland and Portugal.

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SPRINGBOKS SQUAD

Forwards: Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouche, Johan Grobbelaar, Celimpilo Gumede, Cameron Hanekom, Andre-Hugo Venter, Vincent Koch, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marnus van der Merwe, Ruben van Heerden, Marco van Staden, Ruan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Sanele Nohamba, Morne van den Berg, Henco van Wyk, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.