Lukhanyo Am back, JJ van der Mescht makes first Springbok Squad for virtual camp

Sadie, currently with France's Bordeaux Bègles, and Van der Mescht, from England's Northampton Saints, are the only uncapped players in the squad and will join 16 established Rugby World Cup winners based in Europe and Japan.

Returning to the mix are scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, a 2019 RWC champion who last played for the Boks in 2023, and centre Lukhanyo Am, whose last Test was in 2024.

Other RWC winners in the camp include World Rugby and SA Rugby Men's Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Jasper Wiese, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Manie Libbok.

Erasmus admitted excitement was building for the international season, which starts Saturday, 20 June against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, while congratulating Sadie and Van der Mescht, who have risen through the SA Rugby junior ranks to become standout club players in Europe.

Two sessions will be held to accommodate players across time zones, presenting the Boks' macroplan for the year and detailed insights from Erasmus and his coaching team.

This virtual camp follows the first in-person alignment earlier this month, which saw 49 locally-based players report 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 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: "Carlu 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 hold a second alignment camp in Cape Town, followed by another virtual session in May to prep players for the first training camp.

Players invited to first virtual Springbok alignment camp

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlu Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.

Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.

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