Rassie Erasmus says senior players left out of the Springboks’ first alignment camp are not out of the national picture.
However, he added that those who have been part of one of the most successful periods in Springbok history also should not expect a farewell Test send-off when their careers do end.
Several experienced players from the Erasmus era were absent from this week’s first alignment camp of 2026 in Cape Town, prompting speculation that their international careers may be over.
Among the most notable omissions were hooker Bongi Mbonambi (82 Test caps), prop Vincent Koch (63) and fullback Willie le Roux (101).
Other senior players whose international futures are uncertain include scrumhalf Faf de Klerk (60) and prop Trevor Nyakane (64).
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“There are guys left out who we know can still play for the Springboks this year,” Erasmus told Rapport.
“But why invite someone to an alignment camp where he has to listen again to how and why we do things? There might be four or five changes that I can simply send him on WhatsApp.”
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However, Erasmus made it clear that players nearing the end of their Test careers should not expect a send-off.
“Some guys want a farewell match or a last match, but I didn’t have one,” said Erasmus, who played 36 Tests between 1997 and 2001. “Neither did Steven Kitshoff [who was forced to retire last year because of a neck injury].
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“Everyone knows that everything doesn’t always end perfectly – but then you get people who decide, I’ll show you, it’s not going to end like that for me. And that’s what we want.”
Photo: Sam Barnes/Gallo Images
The post Rassie: Door not shut on Bok veterans appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Rassie Erasmus says senior players left out of the Springboks’ first alignment camp are not out of the national picture.
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