South Africa Unveil Formidable Squad for 2023 Rugby World Cup Preparations
(London, 11 May 2023) – The South African national rugby union team, the Springboks, have announced a star-studded squad in preparation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. According to Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, the selection aims to provide valuable international experience for several promising players as the team lays the groundwork for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“Some of the players who made their Test debuts were members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Paris, and we feel it is important that we continue blooding new players,” said Erasmus. “Having them in camp and working closely with them on the field will set them and the team in good stead as we start laying the foundations for the 2027 World Cup.”
The 42-man squad features a mix of established stars and rising talents, with the likes of Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, and Handre Pollard joining exciting prospects such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, and Quan Horn.
Challenging Schedule Ahead
In the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, the four-time champions will face a challenging schedule, taking on Wales, Ireland, and Portugal in July before embarking on a Rugby Championship campaign against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina in August and September. They will then tour Europe in November, facing Scotland, England, and Wales.
“We gained immense value by granting a few players a chance to prove what they can do at international level in the years leading up to the 2023 World Cup,” Erasmus added, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a new generation of Springbok talent.
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