Overview
- Ruben van Heerden was officially added to the Springbok training group as an injury replacement for Salmaan Moerat, with SARU confirming the call‑up on Wednesday and van Heerden joining camp in Johannesburg.
- Moerat was released from camp for an undisclosed injury; he has previously had toe surgery this year and is due to join French club La Rochelle next season.
- The squad is preparing for a double‑header at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 20, with SA 'A' v Zimbabwe followed by Springboks v the Barbarians and matchday 23s to be named next week by coaches Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick.
- Erasmus is using a 50‑odd player training group to build depth and fast‑track fringe or uncapped players because several senior names are managing injuries and some Bulls players are unavailable due to URC commitments.
- Van Heerden’s inclusion raises his prospects of a Test cap this season and gives selectors extra cover as they fine‑tune the squad ahead of a final Nations Championship list to be announced on June 21.