Latest news with #WorldRugbyU20PlayeroftheYear
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rassie Erasmus: It was great to meet Springbok newcomers
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, and Ntokozo Makhaza had been invited to their first Springbok alignment camp, which has just concluded this week. Augustus, who was named the World Rugby U20 Player of the Year after a sterling performance for the Junior Boks in Georgia in 2017, was one of the newcomers who joined a virtual session. Meanwhile, Varsity Cup star Ntokozo Makhaza earned a surprise call-up along with Congo-born Vincent Tshituka, who has just qualified to play for South Africa. The Springboks will launch their 2025 season on Saturday, 28 June against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before embarking on the Incoming Series and Rugby Championship, and will wrap up the season with the traditional end-of-the-year tour. 'One could sense the excitement and enthusiasm among the players and coaches to be back together, and to align on our objectives and plans for the season,' said Erasmus. 'It was also great to have the new additions to the squad, Vincent Tshituka and Ntokozo Makhaza, at the camp, as well as Juarno Augustus, who was one of the players invited to join online, where they were exposed to our structures for the first time. 'They gelled in quickly, and it was encouraging to see how they soaked up the information presented to them.' Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Emirates Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier). 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.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘Trokkie' barges down Bok door
Powerhouse No 8 Juarno Augustus earns a first call-up from Rassie Erasmus, as one of 54 local and overseas-based players to attend the second Springbok alignment camp of 2025. Augustus will join Sharks forward Vincent Tshituka and Varsity Cup-winning points machine Ntokozo Makhaza at their first national team indaba at the end of the month. The camps will take place in person in Cape Town for local players, and virtually for players based outside South Africa, next Thursday and Friday respectively. Thirty-six players will attend the in-person camp, with 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the northern hemisphere joining virtually, training schedule permitting. Augustus, who was named the World Rugby U20 Player of the Year after a powerful performances for the Junior Boks in Georgia in 2017, has been a standout player for the Northampton Saints this season, while the DRC-born Tshituka recently received his South African ID, clearing him to represent South Africa. Winger Makhaza, meanwhile, will join the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup, after being named 2025 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament, playing for the eventual champions, the UCT Ikeys. The group includes eight uncapped players – Augustus, Tshituka, Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese. Five players were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries: Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie and Trevor Nyakane. The camp will include a series of boardroom sessions over the two days as the Boks gear up for the international season, which kicks off on June 28 with the first home game between South Africa and the Barbarians. This will be followed by the Incoming Series, The Rugby Championship and the traditional end-of-the-year tour in November. 'This is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp,' Erasmus said. 'They have all made a strong statement in big competitions under immense pressure at times, so we are looking forward to working with them. 'It's always difficult to reduce the size of the squad with the abundance of talent in South African rugby, but we were limited in the number of players we could select for the camp, and we are confident that we have sufficient cover in all positions within this group,' he added. 'The coaches and management staff have been working around the clock to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for what will be a challenging season, and all the operational and logistical aspects are in place for everything to run as smoothly as possible, so we are excited for the season ahead.' Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town: Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Dynaboars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier). The post Trokkie barges down Bok door appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie Erasmus calls up Varsity Cup star Makhaza, Augustus, Tshituka for Boks camp
The group includes eight uncapped players, while previously injured Lood de Jager and often overlooked Jean-Luc du Preez are also in the mix. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has invited a number of uncapped players, including a Varsity Cup star, to the team's second alignment camp of the season, to be held in Cape and online, at the end of this month. In total 54 players have been 'called up' including Northampton Saints' No 8 Juarno Augustus, Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka and UCT Varsity Cup wing Ntokozo Makhaza. The camps will take place on May 22 and 23. Thirty-six players will attend the in-person camp, with 18 players currently plying their trade abroad in Japan and the northern hemisphere joining virtually, training schedule permitting. Augustus, who previously ran out for the Stormers and Western Province, was named the World Rugby U20 Player of the Year in 2017 after featuring for the Junior Boks in the tournament in Georgia, while Congo-born Tshituka recently received his South African ID, clearing him to represent South Africa. Makhaza, meanwhile, will join the Cheetahs for the Currie Cup, after being named 2024 Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament. The group includes eight uncapped players – Augustus, Tshituka, Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe and Cobus Wiese. Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries, namely Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and Trevor Nyakane. Ntokozo Makhaza of UCT Ikeys runs with the ball during the Varsity Cup match against Wits earlier this season. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images 'Strong statement' 'This is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp,' said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. 'They have all made a strong statement in big competitions under immense pressure at times, so we are looking forward to working with them. 'It's always difficult to reduce the size of the squad with the abundance of talent in South African rugby, but we were limited in the number of players we could select for the camp, and we are confident that we have sufficient cover in all positions within this group.' Players invited to Springbok alignment camp: Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp: Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier).
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Three major player call-ups to Springbok camp
On Thursday it was confirmed that Juarno Augustus, Vincent Tshituka, and Ntokozo Makhaza have been invited to their first Springbok alignment camps. Augustus, who was named the World Rugby U20 Player of the Year after a sterling performance for the Junior Boks in Georgia in 2017, has been a stand-out player for the Northampton Saints this season, while the Congolese-born Tshituka recently received his South African ID, clearing him to represent South Africa. Makhaza, meanwhile, will join the Toyota Cheetahs for the Carling Currie Cup, after being named 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Player of the Tournament, playing for the eventual champions, the University of Cape Town. The group include eight uncapped players – Augustus, Tshituka, Makhaza, Renzo du Plessis, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Marnus van der Merwe, and Cobus Wiese. Five players, meanwhile, were not considered for the alignment camp due to injuries, namely Frans Malherbe, Elrigh Louw, Ben-Jason Dixon, Deon Fourie, and Trevor Nyakane. Erasmus was pleased with the quality of the group named and said: 'This is an exciting bunch of players who have all made their mark in their respective competitions this season, and we are thrilled to invite a few talented new players to the camp. 'They have all made a strong statement in big competitions under immense pressure at times, so we are looking forward to working with them.' Erasmus added: 'It's always difficult to reduce the size of the squad with the abundance of talent in South African rugby, but we were limited in the number of players we could select for the camp, and we are confident that we have sufficient cover in all positions within this group.' Players invited to Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Emirates Lions), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks). Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Emirates Lions), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks). Players invited to virtual Springbok alignment camp (in alphabetical order): Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets). Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (DynaBoars), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier). 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.
