Latest news with #CastleLagerIncomingSeries
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Evan Roos called up to Springbok squad
The Boks will kick off their season against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June. BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 20: Evan Roos of the Springboks during the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series match between South Africa and Portugal at Toyota Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images) Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Sunday added DHL Stormers No 8 Evan Roos to his squad for the matches against the Barbarians and Castle Lager Incoming Series, increasing the size of his group to 55 players. Roos, who attended the first alignment in Cape Town in February, has run out seven times in the green and gold. His last Test was against Portugal in Bloemfontein in the 2024 Castle Lager Incoming Series, before he was sidelined for several months due to shoulder surgery. The Springbok squad will report for duty in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon and begin their on-field preparations on Monday, as the team gets the wheels in motion for the international season starting in under three weeks. The Boks will kick off their season against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday, 28 June, in the first ever match between the sides on South African soil, before taking on Italy in back-to-back Tests in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 and 12 July, and Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July in the Castle Lager Incoming Series. With the Vodacom Bulls and Leinster battling it out in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final at Croke Park in Dublin next week Saturday, and Bath and Leicester meeting in the Gallagher Premiership final on the same day, the players will join the squad based on a staggered approach, until the completion of respective club commitments.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Jake White: Players must put Bok selection out of their minds in semi-final
Ten Bulls players will compete in the URC semi-final after just being selected for the Springboks. Willie le Roux and Canan Moodie will line up agaisnt Lukhanyo Am in their URC semi-final. All three have been selected in the latest Bok squad. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Bulls boss Jake White has urged his players to put their Springbok selection out of their minds when they play in their United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (kick-off 6.15pm). A total 54 players were named in Rassie Erasmus' first Bok squad of the season which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. It's an unchanged group from the year's second alignment camp in Cape Town. Included are 10 Bulls players, all named in the squad to play in the URC semi-final. Only the Sharks have more players in the squad (11). White warns against 'trials' mentality 'It's like trials tomorrow,' White said. 'One of the messages I've given the players: 'I please don't want you to play like it's trials. I want you to play like it's a team.' 'Because often what happens in these situations is whenever you announce a team before a big game… There's 54 guys, they all want to be Springboks. They all want to be in the first round. 'They know they will compete against the guys they are playing against tomorrow. It doesn't matter what I say, they know this is an opportunity in front of selectors – in front of the public – for them to stake a claim.' Still, the coach said his job was to make his charges understand the play-off fixture was not about individuals. 'I said to them in the changeroom today, they've been picked on what they did the last 18 weeks. It's got nothing to do with how they have to do tomorrow. 'They are not going to do anything tomorrow that is going to make them put their hand up. They've put their hand up to be picked in the 54-man squad by what they've done for the last couple of months. I just want them to continue doing that.' Bulls out for third time lucky, Sharks want to stake claim The Sharks reach the semi-final stages of the URC for the first time, while this is the third time for the Bulls. The Pretoria outfit have never won the trophy and will have the mentality of righting wrongs of the past, while the Sharks intend to stake their claim. The Sharks have beaten the Bulls twice in the URC this season (20–17 in Durban in December and 29–19 at Loftus in February). That means two of the Bulls' four defeats in the campaign came against the Sharks, who also won the SA shield for the first time. It's been a breakout season for the Sharks but White and his charges will want to become the second SA team to win the URC after the Stormers.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Kids hurt in jumping castle accident
Here's your daily news update for Thursday, 5 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes two young children sustained serious injuries last weekend when a jumping castle was swept into the air during a school festival in Krugersdorp. Meanwhile, South Africa's largest beef producer, Karan Beef, has reassured consumers that its meat remains safe despite an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its Heidelberg feedlot in Gauteng. Furthermore, Varsity Cup player Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players selected for Rassie Erasmus' Springbok training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. Weather tomorrow: 6 June 2025 Saws has warned of very cold, wet and windy conditions in the three Capes, as well as possible snowfall in parts of the Western Cape. Damaging winds are also expected to affect some small Western Cape harbours and ports. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. WATCH: Children fall from airborne jumping castle Two young children sustained serious injuries last weekend when a jumping castle was swept into the air during a school festival in Krugersdorp. The inflatable structure, allegedly unsecured, was lifted by a gust of wind while two junior jumpers were still inside. Both children fell from the airborne castle as it tumbled above the school grounds. Airborne jumping castles can be lethal. Picture: Supplied. The incident occurred at Protearif Laerskool's Protea Fees (festival), an event hosted on the school premises. CONTINUE READING: WATCH: Children fall from airborne jumping castle These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery Between January 2025 and March 2025, Gauteng recorded an increase in kidnappings, said Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni on Thursday. Through the National Anti–Kidnapping Unit, the province arrested 88 suspects linked to 62 cases of kidnapping and rescued 77 victims of kidnapping during the period under review. Picture: iStock 'We are working together with our stakeholders to combat the kidnapping syndicates operating in this province. We are thankful to Business Against Crime South Africa for our partnership through the Eyes and Ears Initiative and are able to deploy their technological resources and utilise security officers as force multipliers when conducting take-down operations,' said Mthombeni. CONTINUE READING: These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers South Africa's largest beef producer, Karan Beef, has reassured consumers that its meat remains safe despite an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at its Heidelberg feedlot in Gauteng. The beef producer confirmed the news of the outbreak earlier this week. Gauteng is one of the provinces in the country with the FMD cases. The others include Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. For illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock The outbreak comes at a time when the poultry industry is divided over the ban on chicken imports from Brazil. Most chicken consumed in the country is imported from Brazil. Some say the ban will cause a shortage in the country, while others argue that South Africa can produce enough chicken. CONTINUE READING: Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers Cape Town is on the up, here's why Cape Town's global appeal as a film destination is driving a significant economic upswing in the city's hospitality industry. However, in May, US President Donald Trump proposed imposing a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced content. Cape Town's global appeal as a film destination is driving a major economic upswing in the city's hospitality industry. Picture:If enacted, this tariff could affect locally made films, including productions filmed in Cape Town, and series sold to the US market. CONTINUE READING: Cape Town is on the up, here's why Surprises in Rassie's first Bok squad of 2025, nine uncapped players included Varsity Cup player Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players selected for Rassie Erasmus' Springbok training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The Springbok boss named the same 54 players who attended the squad's second national alignment camp in Cape Town, including 31 Rugby World Cup players. Thirty forwards and 24 backs are in the mix. Bok boss Rassie Erasmus. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The nine uncapped players are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker, and Makhaza. CONTINUE READING: Surprises in Rassie's first Bok squad of 2025, nine uncapped players included Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Counterfeit alcohol in SA | Icasa seizes Starlink equipment | Malema on Shivambu
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Surprises in Rassie's first Bok squad of 2025, nine uncapped players included
Nine uncapped players have been included in the Springboks' first squad of the season, which sees five players miss out due to injury. Ntokozo Makhaza of UCT Ikeys has been included in the first Springboks squad of the season. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Varsity Cup player Ntokozo Makhaza is one of nine uncapped players selected for Rassie Erasmus' Springbok training squad for the opening stages of the international season, which kicks off on 28 June against the Barbarians, followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The Springbok boss named the same 54 players who attended the squad's second national alignment camp in Cape Town, including 31 Rugby World Cup players. Thirty forwards and 24 backs are in the mix. The nine uncapped players are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker, and Ntokozo Makhaza. The available players, which include the full Japan-based contingent following the conclusion of their season, will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 8 June, and begin their on-field preparations on Monday. The remainder of the players will join the squad as they complete their club commitments. 'We were very pleased with the two Springbok alignment camps we hosted, and we are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent,' Erasmus said, adding he took pride in offering talented young players a chance as they built towards the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Springbok squad: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players not considered due to injury: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane.
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Date for start of ticket sales for Boks vs Georgia match at Mbombela Stadium announced
Date for start of ticket sales for Boks vs Georgia match at Mbombela Stadium announced The Lowveld's green and gold army can purchase tickets for the test match between the Springboks and Georgia at Mbombela Stadium from Friday, May 16. The Boks are undefeated at Mbombela Stadium with a record of played five, won five. The Springboks take on Italy in a two-test series in Pretoria (July 5) and Gqeberha (July 12), before meeting Georgia in Mbombela (July 19) in the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The start to the Bok season not only represents an opportunity to see the back-to-back world champions in action locally, but also launches a year in which the Boks will be fighting to defend their number one world ranking to secure the most favourable draw for Rugby World Cup 2027. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: 'This is more than just the start of the season – it's a chance for South Africans to once again unite behind a team that brings pride to the nation in a critical year for world cup preparation. We had an amazing 2024 and we're looking forward to seeing South Africans fill stadiums with passionate supporters, enjoying the experience as a memorable kick-off to a year filled with big challenges and even bigger opportunities.' Fans are urged to act quickly when tickets become available on May 16, as demand is expected to be exceptionally high following last season's 100% sellout of home Springbok matches. Georgia are ranked 11th in the world, above Wales and Japan. They are renowned for their powerful, aggressive scrumming and are undefeated in 35 consecutive matches over eight seasons in the Rugby Europe Men's Championship. The South Africa vs Georgia test at Mbombela Stadium will be only the third match between the two sides in history. The first two matches between the nations were in Sydney, during the 2003 Rugby World Cup (SA 40 – Georgia 16), and in Pretoria in 2021 (SA 40 – Georgia 9), with the latter being played in an empty stadium due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Boks have won all five of the matches they have played at Mbombela Stadium. In 2013, they defeated Scotland 30-17 and in 2014 beat Wales 31-30. In 2016, South Africa played against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium and won 30-23. They went on to win the 2022 match against the All Blacks 26-10 and also defeated Argentina 48-7 in 2024. Tickets will be available at and at the Mbombela Stadium ticket office. • Tickets for the Springboks' home matches in their defence of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title will go on sale on Friday, June 13. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
