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2h ago

Springboks Call Up Adré Smith to Bolster Lock Depth

The experienced Stormers lock joins the wider training group to give coaches more tested options before the Nations Championship squad is finalised on June 21.

Stormers lock Adré Smith has joined the Springbok squad. Picture: Gallo Images
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Overview

  • Adré Smith was added to the expanded Springbok training group on Sunday for the June 20 double‑header in Gqeberha, bringing 57 Stormers appearances and fresh experience to the lock pool.
  • The call-up follows Ruben van Heerden’s recent inclusion and responds to a string of lock injuries that have limited immediate options for the matchday squads.
  • The wider group will reconvene in Johannesburg before travelling to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for captain’s runs, with Erasmus and SA A coach Mzwandile Stick expected to name their match 23s on Tuesday.
  • Coaches plan to use the June 20 Springboks v Barbarians and SA A v Zimbabwe fixtures as controlled trials to test combinations and assess younger or uncapped players ahead of the Nations Championship.
  • Final selection timing is driven by player availability from club commitments and medical clearances, and the June 21 squad announcement will determine who stays in contention for the Nations Championship and the July return-to-play targets.