Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced his squad for the 2025 incoming series, which kicks off next month.
While the international season usually comes with lots of excitement, the Bok coach has made sure to keep supporters licking their lips ahead of this year’s campaign with the inclusion of several new faces, each looking to make their debut in 2025. Perhaps the boldest decision yet is the inclusion of University of Cape Town winger Ntokozo Makhaza.
Known for his swift decision-making and composure when striking the ball towards the poles, the 23-year-old’s form in this year’s Varsity Cup has seen him being rewarded with an inclusion in the second Springbok alignment camp a few weeks ago.
This came off the back of his team’s recent crowning as Varsity Cup champions following a victory over Western Cape neighbours, Stellenbosch University.
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While most assumed that his initial involvement was merely a means of providing him with insight into the national set-up, especially since he had never played a professional rugby game in his young career, the announcement of him being in the 54-man squad sent shockwaves through both the national and international rugby community.
This goes to show just how passionate the “doctor” is about crediting young players who possess the x-factor needed to evolve the modern game.
There are now assumptions that Ntokozo will make his first appearance in Cape Town on the 28th June, where the Springboks will face the British invitational team, the Barbarians, as a warm-up to the Incoming series.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have been buzzing following the announcement, and if Notokozo manages to take any further part in this year’s national set up, and make his debut against Italy, this would be seen as history.
UCT student and Ikey Tigers’ Ntokozo Makhaza was included in the Springbok squad confirmed by SA Rugby on Thursday, 5 June 2025. The 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament is among the nine uncapped players in the Boks squad. pic.twitter.com/kA4m7wPDAK
— UCT (@UCT_news) June 5, 2025
Loads to unpack about the Bok squad.
1. 31 World Cup winners still there, which is surprising, but understandable.
2. No Roos or Johan Grobbelaar. But Trokkie and Marnus van der Merwe.
3. Ntokozo Makhaza is there, which is very interesting as he hasn’t played any pro rugby yet— Brenden Nel (@Brendennel) June 5, 2025
NTOKOZO MAKHAZA 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/AzINPF5wSA
— Zuko The Don (@Zuko_TheDon) June 5, 2025
