Springboks Announce Squad for Northern Hemisphere Tour
The Springboks have announced a 36-man squad for their upcoming northern hemisphere tour, featuring new cap Zachary Porthen and several players returning from injury.
“It’s great to see a young player like Zachary, who has emerged through our junior structures, come through the ranks...”
South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus has included uncapped prop Zachary Porthen in the Springboks squad for the upcoming Autumn international series. The 21-year-old prop has been rewarded for his impressive performances in the United Rugby Championship with the Stormers.
Porthen's inclusion comes after Neethling Fouche suffered a fractured arm, opening up an opportunity for the young prop to showcase his skills. With only a handful of games played for the Stormers, Porthen's talent and potential have been recognized by Erasmus.
The Springboks squad also welcomes back several players from injury, including livewire wing Kurt-Lee Arendse. Arendse's return adds depth and pace to the squad, and his experience will be valuable in the upcoming matches.
The Autumn international series will be a significant test for the Springboks, with matches against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales. Captain Siya Kolisi is also on the verge of a major milestone, poised to become only the ninth South African to reach 100 test caps.
“It’s great to see a young player like Zachary, who has emerged through our junior structures, come through the ranks into the senior set-up, and we are excited to see what he can do at this level,” coach Rassie Erasmus said.
The Springboks will face Japan at Wembley Stadium in London on November 1. They'll then travel to Paris to play France in a rematch of their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
The Springboks' autumn tour continues with matches against Italy in Turin on November 15, Ireland in Dublin on November 22, and Wales in Cardiff on November 29.
“We have delivered a few good performances but also a few disappointing ones this season, so this will be a good opportunity to test ourselves and see if we can build consistency from week to week,” Erasmus said.
“It is going to take a massive effort, and we are excited about the tour.”
The Springboks' squad for the upcoming tour is largely unchanged from the team that won the Rugby Championship this month. However, there are a few new additions, including flanker Ben-Jason Dixon, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and prop Gerhard Steenekamp, who have all earned their first call-ups.
The squad also welcomes back several players who have recovered from injuries, including lock Jean Kleyn and wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe.
Captain Siya Kolisi is on the cusp of a major milestone, with just two caps needed to become the ninth Springbok to reach 100 test caps. Kolisi currently has 98 caps and is expected to achieve this feat during the tour.
Former #JuniorBoks captain Zachary Porthen is the only uncapped player in the #Springboks tour squad, with Arendse, Dixon, Kleyn, Grobbelaar and Steenekamp back in the mix 🤝#ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) October 20, 2025
South Africa squad
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, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Zachary Porthen, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus names his Springbok squad for the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour 🇿🇦
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 20, 2025
Stormers prop Zachary Porthen is the only uncapped player to be included in the squad, while a number of players have been named on a standby list 🚨#SSRugby | #QuilterNS pic.twitter.com/qWTxAElkQr
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