Springbok squad boosted by new arrivals

Phepsi Buthelezi (loose forward) and Carlu Sadie (prop) have been called up to the Springbok squad and will join the camp in Johannesburg in the next two days, along with the DHL Stormers players following their return from Ireland, where they played in the Vodacom URC semifinal over the weekend.

The DHL Stormers players arrived in camp on Monday.

Buthelezi, who plays for the Hollywoodbets Sharks and made his test debut against Portugal in 2024, will report for duty in Johannesburg on Monday evening.

Sadie, a former Junior Springbok who attended the virtual Springbok alignment camps from France, where he plays for European champions Bordeaux Bègles, will arrive in Johannesburg on Wednesday

Two players have been added to the #Springboks squad that started their training camp in Johannesburg on Monday - more here: https://t.co/xm6891tjJJ 🏉#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/a8gUUOglVQ — Springboks (@Springboks) June 8, 2026

The Boks kicked off their on-field preparations on Monday for the season-opening double-header between the Springboks and Barbarians, and the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe, both at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.

“It’s great to be back on the field and to see familiar and new faces in the squad,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

“The excitement in the group to get the season under way is palpable, and we are looking forward to the week ahead.

“We are also pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlu to the squad, and we are confident they will slot in with ease.”

The Springbok squad for the opening leg of the Nations Championship against England, Scotland, and Wales will be announced on Sunday, 21 June.