A 49-man Springbok squad has begun preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, kicking off with a non-cap match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on June 20th, according to an announcement made by head coach Rassie Erasmus on Monday.
The squad’s build-up continues with a Nations Championship fixture against England at Ellis Park on July 4th. Erasmus emphasized that while immediate victories are the goal, the long-term objective remains building a robust and adaptable team capable of contending for a third consecutive World Cup title.
“The focus is very much on that Barbarians match and building into the England Test at Ellis Park,” Erasmus stated. He highlighted the importance of squad depth, noting that the Springboks averaged nine changes per game last year. “You might lose four or five players in one position. Succession planning is key.”
Erasmus stressed the require to cultivate talent across all positions, aiming for at least five or six players capable of competing at a high level in each role. “If we keep winning, continuity helps. But we’ll always strive to build five or six deep in every position. That’s what gives you a chance at a World Cup.”
SA Rugby CEO Riaan Oberholzer described 2026 as a pivotal year for the national team, particularly with the introduction of the Nations Championship. “We start with the Nations Championship, which we’ve been looking forward to,” Oberholzer said. “In the past we had friendlies and incoming tours. Now we’re playing for points. It builds to a finals weekend in London and gives real meaning to the international season.”
Beyond the Nations Championship, Oberholzer announced the revival of a “Greatest Rivalry” series against New Zealand, scheduled to occur every four years, mirroring the cycle of British & Irish Lions tours. He too confirmed that a fourth Test in the series will be held in the United States, a strategic move to expand the Springboks’ brand and tap into the American market ahead of the 2031 World Cup, which will be hosted in the US.
“To create financial stability we must take our brand wider than South Africa. America is a very vital market leading up to 2031, when the World Cup will be staged there,” Oberholzer explained, adding that tickets for the Baltimore Test are nearly sold out.
Team manager Charles Wessels outlined a demanding schedule for the Springboks, with the team scheduled to be together for 135 days this year, encompassing 13 Tests and a total of 14 matches. Wessels also revealed that the team will play a total of 20 Tests before the start of the 2027 World Cup campaign against Italy, which is currently 581 days away.
