Rassie Erasmus’ alignment camp turn focus on 2027 WC, here are the rookies to watch

by Sergio Miller

Springbok coach Dr Rassie Erasmus is on a mission to extend his team’s World Cup reign to three in a row as preparations begin ahead of this year’s international rugby season. 

When it comes to the amount of talent in our country, it appears that South Africans are spoiled for choice, as coach Rassie has recently invited a total of 82 rugby players to attend the Springboks 2025 alignment camp. 

These are comprised of 52 players who are currently based in South Africa from clubs such as the Stormers, Lions, Bulls, and Sharks. There are also an additional 26 players that are scattered across teams in various parts of the world, like Ireland, France, and Japan, who are invited to partake in a virtual alignment camp in March. 

With the majority of their players who previously featured in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup now being around the age of 30 years and older, the Bok mastermind has made it clear that the 2027 World Cup is his main focus. This comes as he recently included several young talents in addition to the experienced heads in Siya Kolisi, Lukhanyo Am, and Eben Etzebeth ahead of his upcoming camp – who should be well acquainted with the Springbok system by the next World Cup. 

In a statement, Rassie said: “It is vital for us that all the players on our radar are exposed to our plans and goals for the season, so we intend to replicate our presentations to the group in Cape Town with these players, so everyone is on the same page as we embark on this challenging season.” 

In 2024, the 52-year-old coach made history after allowing 52 players to represent SA in the green and gold while still managing to ensure that he won 11 out of 13 matches altogether. 

With the current international season now fast approaching, here are some young players who could potentially make their debut in 2025: 

Jurenzo Julius (20)

Suleiman Hartzenberg (21)

Ethan Hooker (22)

 

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Jonathan Roche (22)

 

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Siya Masuku (28)

Also see: Springboks and WAGS celebrate 365 days as World Cup champions