South Africa’s Springboks enter the 2025 season as reigning back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions and are currently the world’s top-ranked side, following a dominant 2024 campaign in which they won 11 of 13 Tests and captured the Rugby Championship title[1][2]. Head coach Rassie Erasmus, continuing his focus on four-year cycles, is working to balance squad development for the next World Cup while aiming for immediate results, especially with the 2027 World Cup draw scheduled for December[1].
This season, Erasmus has named a 46-man squad that features an experienced core—such as Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth, and Handré Pollard—alongside emerging talents like Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie[2]. Four uncapped players, including Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Vincent Tshituka, have joined the group, signaling Erasmus’s intent to infuse new blood ahead of future tournaments. Lood de Jager returns to the squad after a long injury break, reinforcing the forward pack[2].
The Springboks have also adjusted to shifting squad dynamics, with 36 out of an alignment camp’s 54 players based in South Africa—a significant change driven partly by increased investment in domestic rugby, allowing more talent to be retained at home[3]. Injuries continue to be a factor, with several notable players unavailable for early Tests, such as Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane[4].
Their 2025 schedule starts with a historic clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town—the first time the Springboks host the famous invitational side on home soil—followed by two Tests against Italy and a match against Georgia, all in July[5][6]. These fixtures are intended as preparation for the Rugby Championship, where South Africa will attempt to claim consecutive titles for the first time. The squad has also recently added No. 8 Evan Roos for the upcoming matches[7].
With an emphasis on maintaining momentum, integrating youth, and remaining a world power, the Springboks’ management and players express both excitement and determination as the international season gets underway[6].
References
- [1] Rassie Erasmus issues Rugby World Cup warning to Springboks
- [2] South Africa Springboks Roster 2025: What To Know – FloRugby
- [3] RASSIE’S 2025 BOKS | SPRINGBOKS TAKING SHAPE – YouTube
- [4] Rassie Erasmus names exciting Springbok squad – SA Rugby
- [5] South Africa Springboks Fixtures 2025 And Schedule – FloRugby
- [6] Boks excited to get international season underway – SA Rugby
- [7] Evan Roos called up to Springbok squad | SA Rugby