Latest news with #ForeverGreenForeverGold
IOL News
17 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springboks unveil stunning new jersey to celebrate 1995 World Cup triumph
New Bok jersey SA Rugby unveiled the new Springbok jersey on Tuesday, the 30th anniversary of the Springboks' first Rugby World Cup victory. Photo: Supplied SA Rugby and Nike revealed the new Springbok jersey on Tuesday, with new title sponsor FNB's logo emblazoned on the front. The new jersey has been well received by fans on social media, weeks after the Springboks' training kit came in for some criticism. The green and gold home jersey does away with the collar and features a zigzag design along the neckline to pay homage to the King Protea, South Africa's national flower and sporting emblem. Inside the collar are four stars that feature as a nod to the team's four Rugby World Cup victories, as well as #ForeverGreenForeverGold. The alternate jersey is all white with the Protea collar in traditional bottle green, while the playing range is supported by a training and off-field range for supporters.
The South African
a day ago
- Business
- The South African
Revealed: Springboks' eye-catching 2025 jerseys
On Tuesday, SA Rugby revealed the 2025 Springbok kit along with apparel partner Nike, with the traditional green and gold jerseys certainly standing out, while the alternative kit is white and green. 'The unique, new neckline is inspired by the protea in a design that is rooted in green yet 'crowned' by the King Protea's leaves,' a statement read. 'Inside the collar are four stars that feature as a nod to the team's four Rugby World Cup victories, as well as #ForeverGreenForeverGold . 'Cutting-edge materials ensure the kit is not only a celebration of heritage but also a testament to modern sportswear innovation, integrating state-of-the-art fabric technologies. 'The materials enhance breathability, flexibility and endurance for the players while remaining lightweight and durable. The kit also features moisture-wicking properties, ensuring players stay cool and dry even during the most intense matches.' The alternate jersey is all-white with the Protea collar in traditional bottle green, while the playing range is supported by a training and off-field range for the passionate supporter. A newly designed playing kit and a retro jersey honouring the heritage of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winners was also revealed for the first time – 30 years to the day that Nelson Mandela first presented the Webb Ellis Cup to a Springbok captain. The release of a heritage jersey recreates the one worn by the Springboks in the iconic 15-12 victory over New Zealand at Ellis Park, while the new team playing jersey incorporates elements of the King Protea in a striking collar design. The home and alternative jerseys as well as the lifestyle collection will be available from Wednesday (25 June) from Nike stores, major retailers, and online. The Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians this Saturday. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
OPINION: Springbok fans, get ready for the Asenathi Ntlabakanye Show against the Barbarians
Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been a revelation for the Lions. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Ashfak Mohamed Asenathi Ntlabakanye is a larger-than-life character. That is certainly no slight on the Lions tighthead prop, who was included in the Springbok starting line-up on Tuesday for Saturday's season-opener against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium (5.10pm kick-off). Ahead of the team announcement by coach Rassie Erasmus, one of the Bok management members told the media that Ntlabakanye did not weigh 168kg – as someone may have reported – but in fact 141kg. That was not only a factual correction, but also testament to the Lions No 3's hard work that he has put in on his fitness and conditioning this year. The 26-year-old from Plettenberg Bay has certainly always had the size to become a big success on the rugby field, but there were some doubts about whether he could keep up at the highest level. But if you watched him closely over a number of years for the Lions, you would know that there shouldn't have been any question about his ability and work-rate. Ntlabakanye has shown several times that he can put in the hard yards on the pitch, whether that is having to shove his opponent back in the scrums, carry the ball with real intensity at close quarters or getting up off the ground to make yet another tackle. Erasmus shared a wonderful tale of how Ntlabakanye has spent some time at Bok scrum coach Daan Human's farm to get special insight into the 'dark arts' of the front row, as well as working on his conditioning. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Big Lood de Jager is back to face the @Barbarian_FC along with four uncapped players named in the #Springboks squad for Saturday's season opener in Cape Town 💪#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 24, 2025 Erasmus said that Ntlabakanye has shed a remarkable 15-18kg as a result, and now he is primed to make a significant difference to the Bok pack. He is sure to receive a serious examination from the Barbarians forwards in the scrums, where Irish veteran loosehead Cian Healy will be waiting with bated breath to get stuck into the SA newcomer. But rather, Healy should beware: Ntlabakanye is a machine. I have always enjoyed his style. He seems to play with a freedom that few players – especially props – do. He is busy on the field, popping up in unusual places and getting around the field without shirking his primary duties in the set-pieces. Erasmus mentioned on Tuesday that he was impressed by Ntlabakanye's feel for the game, something that he said Ox Nche also possesses. That separates a special front-ranker from an ordinary, hard-working one, and could catapult Ntlabakanye into the picture for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Wallaby tighthead Taniela Tupou and Tongan veteran Ben Tameifuna are of a similar ilk, and have become household names in Test rugby. Ntlabakanye's ceiling is even higher, especially as he is part of a world-champion set-up at the Boks. Barbarians games are usually played in a festive nature, with a party atmosphere sure to be in the air at a packed Cape Town Stadium. But Boks fans should get ready for the Asenathi Ntlabakanye Show this weekend. With regards to the rest of the team named by Erasmus on Tuesday, it was wonderful to see Vincent Tshituka finally get his Bok break, while Jean-Luc du Preez also got an ideal opportunity to prove his worth as a No 8. It is great that Lood de Jager returns to the Bok stage following a series of injuries and illness. Springbok Team 15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Cheslin Kolbe 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Damian de Allende 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 9 Morné van den Berg 8 Jean-Luc du Preez 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Siya Kolisi (captain) 5 Lood de Jager 4 Jean Kleyn 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye 2 Malcolm Marx 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Marnus van der Merwe 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels 18 Neethling Fouché 19 Franco Mostert 20 Kwagga Smith 21 Cobus Reinach 22 Manie Libbok 23 André Esterhuizen.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Rassie Erasmus announces Springboks squad featuring new talent for Barbarians clash
Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will anchor the Springboks' scrum against the Barbarians on Saturday. Image: Backpagepix Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named four uncapped players to face the Barbarians in their season opener in Cape Town on Saturday. Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and flank Vincent Tshituka have both been named in a relatively experienced starting lineup, while Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Neethling Fouche (prop) will feature off the bench. 'They have all slotted into our systems really well and have a good understanding of what we want to do in this match, while it also presents us with a fantastic opportunity to see how they measure up against a handful of experienced players in the Barbarians team,' Erasmus said. 'This may not be an official Test match, but we are approaching it as such, and a good result will hopefully set us on course for an exciting season. 'Asenathi, Vincent, Neethling, and Marnus have all been impressive at training and for their respective franchises this season, and we hope to see them replicate those quality performances in this match.' BREAKING! The first #Springboks squad for the season is out, the available players will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 5, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Another notable inclusion in the starting team was Lood de Jager, who will partner up with Jean Kleyn in the engine room. The experienced lock is back for his first Test since the Springboks' 2023 Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks in New Zealand, which was his only Test in the last two seasons following a string of injuries. 'Lood is in great form and hopped straight back into the thick of things with the intensity and work rate that we are used to seeing him deliver, and we are thrilled to see him and players like Faf (de Klerk) and Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) who missed a large chunk of last season back from injury.' Players from the Bulls, as well as Ireland-based lock RG Snyman, and flyhalf Handre Pollard, only joined the squad last week following their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and English Premiership finals. As a result, only Bulls utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been included in the match-23 from this group of players. The squad assembled in Cape Town on Sunday afternoon after two weeks of training in Johannesburg and started their on-field match preparations on Monday. They were also joined by utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit, who has recovered from his injury, taking the size of the squad to 46 players. However, Erasmus' team still boasts a lot of experience with Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse joining forces in the back three, while double Rugby World Cup-winning centres Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel will look to make their presence felt in the midfield. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg will dictate play at halfback.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Rassie Erasmus: Boan Venter's Springbok call-up not a block on Scotland
SA-born loosehead prop Boan Venter could make his Springbok debut despite playing for Edinburgh in Scotland. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The Springboks did not select Boan Venter to block him from representing Scotland in the future. Due to a mini loosehead crisis in the Bok camp ahead of the start of their international season, coach Rassie Erasmus decided to rope in the Edinburgh player, and confirmed on Wednesday that he could potentially be in line to debut against Georgia should he adapt quickly enough. Although Venter's call-up came as a surprise, the Boks have been following his progress as a junior in South Africa way before he moved to the Scottish capital. He's been one of the stand-out players for Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship. With only 10 days to go until the #Springboks kick off their 2025 season against the @Barbarian_FC in Cape Town, there is an eagerness in the squad for an exciting yet challenging international season ahead - more here: 🤩#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 18, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Injuries to Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu, as well as the retirement of Steven Kitshoff, left the Boks a bit thin in the loosehead department. Thomas du Toit, who can play on both sides, has primarily functioned as a tighthead, while another swinging prop, veteran Trevor Nyakane, is also out injured. That prompted Erasmus and his coaches to look outside of the players who've been involved with the team in some capacity before. World Cup winner Ox Nché and utility front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels are the only fit looseheads in the squad ahead of the first match against the Barbarians next Saturday in Cape Town. 'We are not selecting him (Venter) to block him from playing for Scotland,' Erasmus said on Wednesday. Squad update: Rassie Erasmus has called up Boan Venter while releasing a number of players from the #Springboks training group 👊#ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 15, 2025 Venter would've become eligible for Scotland on residency grounds next year, and would then have the option to follow in the footsteps of Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Kyle Steyn and WP Nel, who all pulled the Scottish jersey over their head after qualifying. 'That did not have an influence. It is nicer for us to see guys like Duhan play for Scotland, because he probably would not have gotten a chance by us. So, why would you (select) the guy (to block him)? We were aware he (Venter) could have qualified for Scotland. 'We really went and looked (at) who was the next loosehead (in line), and he was on our radar. 'We lost Kitsie, he finished, and we thought he would go on for a bit longer. Gerhard is a bit of an unknown, but with Ox, they were our top three looseheads. Yes, Thomas can play loosehead, but he plays at tighthead. World Cup winner Ox Nche is the only fit senior loosehead prop in the Springbok squad ahead of the mid-year international matches. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix 'Jan-Hendrik is also not the most experienced, so we only have Ox. So, we had to bring in cover. We have taken some big chances on players in the past, but we are reasonably sure he will make it from what we have seen from him.' The Springboks are currently in their second week of training ahead of the season-opener at the Cape Town Stadium. 'It was a bit of a challenge when the Bulls guys came back (from Dublin after the URC final),' Erasmus said. 'They came in on Monday evening, and we had to change our programme a little bit. Some coaches sat with them to catch up on what they have missed, including Handré Pollard. Francois Venter 🤝 Rohan Janse van Rensburg Almost time for the Springboks to take on the Barbarians. Tickets are available here 🔗 #Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold — Springboks (@Springboks) June 17, 2025 'On Tuesday, they did fitness tests, not medical ones, that the other boys did last week already. 'From Thursday, we are all on the same programme, and we can compare apples with apples (ahead of the Barbarians). 'I said that game is a bit of a slippery game, but it is the ideal game, and we wanted it. 'We are a team that loves to analyse the opposition and individual players. We will always do that, and Felix (Jones) plays a massive role in that.' The tricky part, according to Erasmus, is that you can't do the analysis on the Barbarians because of how they play. However, they will focus on the individuals who will run out for the invitational side and how to stop them.
