Springbok Squad for the Autumn Internationals
The South Africa rugby squad for the 2025 Autumn Internationals has officially been announced, and excitement is running high across Mzansi. After an intense year of rugby and several headline-grabbing wins, the Springbok squad is ready to take on Europe once again. Coach Rassie Erasmus has named a formidable group, blending tried-and-tested veterans with promising newcomers to strengthen the team’s foundations ahead of the next Rugby World Cup.
The SA rugby squad will face France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales during this year’s northern tour, four physically imposing teams known for tactical precision and defensive power. Therefore, Erasmus’ selection focuses on balance, depth, and adaptability. With a mix of seasoned Springboks players and rising stars, the SA Rugby Squad 2025 is primed to showcase South African rugby’s power and evolving style.
Injury and Selection Updates
The Springbok rugby squad faces a few early setbacks heading into the autumn internationals. Aphelele Fassi underwent successful ankle surgery and will miss the rest of the year, forcing the SA rugby squad to adjust its back-three combinations for the rest of 2025. His injury removes a major attacking spark, but it opens the door for younger Springboks players to step up.
Meanwhile, Damian Willemse has recovered from a minor injury and will return in time for the crucial Test against France. His versatility across fly-half, full-back, and centre gives the South Africa rugby squad valuable tactical flexibility.
Up front, Ox Nche’s ankle issue ruled him out of the rest of the tour, prompting Erasmus to call up Asenathi Ntlabakanye from the Lions for the springbok squad lions outgoing tour. His inclusion adds size and scrummaging power. However, discipline has also affected selection. Jan-Hendrik Wessels received an eight-week ban, and Makazole Mapimpi remains suspended for five matches. Despite these disruptions, the SA rugby squad still travels north with depth, hunger, and balance across all positions.
The Confirmed Springbok Squad on Tour
Despite these disruptions, the springbok squad autumn internationals group is stacked with world-class experience, versatility, and youthful flair.
Forwards:
Lood de Jager, Ben-Jason Dixon, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Johan Grobbelaar, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Boan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
Backs:
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Standby Players:
Juarno Augustus, Neethling Fouché, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Vincent Tshituka, Lukhanyo Am, Sebastian de Klerk.
(Note: Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Makazole Mapimpi are unavailable due to suspension.)
Standout Players and Key Figures
Captain Siya Kolisi once again leads the South Africa rugby squad with authority, inspiring confidence both on and off the field. He’s supported by powerhouses like Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who continue to anchor the pack. Their combined leadership ensures that the Boks maintain their set-piece dominance and breakdown aggression. Two vital pillars of the South African game.
In the backline, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Edwill van der Merwe bring electrifying pace, while Damian de Allende and Andre Esterhuizen add physicality through the midfield. The playmaking duties will rotate between Manie Libbok, Handré Pollard, and Damian Willemse, providing balance between creativity and control.
Rising Stars and Positional Versatility
This springbok rugby squad showcases a new generation of talent ready to claim their place. Zachary Porthen, a standout young prop, makes his senior debut, symbolising Erasmus’ forward-thinking strategy. Ben-Jason Dixon and Ethan Hooker also represent the next wave of dynamic Bok talent.
Additionally, Erasmus’ emphasis on flexibility remains a key factor. Players such as Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Willemse, and Kolbe can adapt across multiple positions, giving the bok squad tactical options mid-match. This versatility mirrors the Boks’ “Bomb Squad” approach, ensuring impact and balance from the bench.
The Road Ahead: France and Beyond
The Springbok squad opens their tour against France, reigniting memories of their unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal battle. Erasmus has stressed the importance of focusing on precision and discipline rather than emotion. With Les Bleus eager for revenge, this clash will set the tone for the entire series.
Subsequent matches against Italy, Ireland, and Wales will test the Boks’ endurance and mental toughness. However, if the team can maintain composure and execute their trademark physical dominance, the sa rugby squad has every chance of delivering another successful European campaign in to finish off 2025.
Final Thoughts on the Autumn Nations Series
The 2025 Springbok squad autumn internationals campaign perfectly reflects what makes South African rugby special. Resilience, innovation, and raw power. Despite injuries to Fassi and Nche and suspensions to Wessels and Mapimpi, the springboks players heading north remain world-class. The mix of experience and youth ensures that the springbok squad autumn nations series will not only challenge the best in Europe but also lay the foundation for 2027.
Ultimately, this tour is about more than just results. It’s about evolving the SA rugby team players structure, growing combinations, and testing emerging stars under pressure. With Rassie Erasmus leading the charge and a deeply talented springbok rugby squad at his disposal, the Springboks are once again ready to roar on the international stage.
Best Rugby Betting Sites
Rugby runs deep in the veins of South Africans, from the roar of the crowd at Loftus to the last-minute tries that light up our screens. With the Springboks taking on the world once again, it’s the perfect time to find the best rugby betting sites in South Africa. Whether you’re backing the green and gold or looking for live odds on international tournaments, Mzansi’s top bookies have you covered.
Leading the pack is Betway, proud sponsor of the South Africa rugby squad and one of the most trusted names in local sports betting. Their partnership with the Springboks adds a touch of national pride every time you place a wager. Meanwhile, SuperSportBET offers an unbeatable combination for rugby fans. You can bet on the games and watch every tackle, try, and conversion live on SuperSport.
For punters looking for even more variety, Mzansibet, PlayTSOGO, Playbet, Lucky Fish and 10bet all deliver excellent rugby betting options. Lucky Fish also have a promo where you can win a rugby jersey. These sportsbooks offer competitive odds, pre-match and in-play markets. As well as easy mobile access, making it simple to stay in the game from kickoff to the final whistle. No matter where your loyalty lies. South Africa’s top rugby betting sites ensure that every matchday is packed with passion, precision, and plenty of winning potential.
- Optimised for mobile + data free offer
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Jika Sports, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- Diverse Sports Betting Markets
- Excellent casino offering
- Attractive promotions
- Choice of welcome bonus
- Great promotional line-up
- Seamless gameplay
- Great Welcome Bonus
- Extensive sports markets
- Slots, Aviator and Live Games
- Variety of Sports and Markets
- Slots, Crash Games & Live Games
- Excellent Welcome Offers + More
- Highly competitive odds
- Quick withdrawals
- Excellent Welcome Offer
- Welcome Bonus
- Variety of Slots & Live Games
- Sports, Betgames and Crash Games
