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4h ago

Springboks Use SA A Designation to Lock in Young Talent Ahead of June 20 Double‑Header

The SA A designation will tie uncapped players to South Africa under World Rugby rules, creating a pathway for coaches to secure young talent.

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Stormers lock Adré Smith has joined the Springbok squad. Picture: Gallo Images
Stormers stars Ntuthuko Mchunu and Evan Roos will hope to be named in the Springbok squad to face the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Overview

  • SA Rugby formally named South Africa A as the country’s official second senior team under World Rugby Regulation 8 so any player who represents SA A against Zimbabwe will become internationally tied to South Africa.
  • Coaches have assembled an expanded training group in Johannesburg and will use the SA A v Zimbabwe curtain‑raiser and the Springboks v Barbarians match to evaluate and fast‑track promising uncapped players.
  • The wider squad has grown after injury losses in the lock pool prompted Stormers locks Ruben van Heerden and Adré Smith to be added as late call‑ups to provide cover.
  • Matchday squads for both fixtures will be announced at 15:00 on Tuesday and the teams will travel to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for the double‑header on Saturday.
  • The move is designed to shore up depth for a congested 2026 Test calendar and the 2027 World Cup cycle while reducing the risk of losing school and age‑group talent to overseas unions.