The Springboks are gearing up for the 2025 season as Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team prepare for their first in-person strategy session of the year. This will kick off with a three-day alignment camp for 56 domestic players in Cape Town, starting in March. The camp will follow a successful 2024 season, with Erasmus and his staff keen to lay a strong foundation for the challenges ahead, including the Castle Lager Incoming Series, the Rugby Championship, and the traditional Outgoing Tour.
The camp will be a crucial gathering for players to align with the Springboks’ expectations and standards for the season. It will feature gym sessions and boardroom discussions aimed at ensuring all players, new and familiar faces, are on the same page. The group will include 18 members from the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, with several other capped players from various domestic teams also invited to participate.
The alignment camp will also serve as an opportunity for players like Celimpilo Gumede, Suleiman Hartzenberg, and Henco van Wyk to work alongside the coaching staff, while others like Jurenzo Julius and Reinhardt Ludwig will get their first taste of Springbok rugby. Erasmus expressed his excitement for the camp, noting that the mix of experienced players and new talent will help set the tone for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, the Springboks will face Italy in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, followed by matches in the Rugby Championship against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. The team’s preparation is already well underway, with coaches analyzing player performances from the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and other international competitions to ensure they are ready for the demanding year ahead.
