Rassie Erasmus says he was delighted with the energy and engagement at the Boks’ first alignment camp of the year in Cape Town, as preparations continue for a busy international season.
The camp began on Tuesday and focused on detailed boardroom sessions around key areas of the game, coaching expectations and the broader plan for the 2026 season. Players return to their provincial teams on Friday.
MORE: Marvellous Marx crowned SA’s best
“It’s the first time we’ve been in person together, and as coaches and management, we’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, so it was nice to see everyone face-to-face and explain the operational aspects for the year, as well as the coaching areas, which is probably the most important,” said Erasmus.
“Most of the coaches and management are feeling comfortable that we got across what we think the players should know at this stage, and that means they can start working on some of the things that we’re expecting from them when they get to the next alignment camp.”
Erasmus also praised the enthusiasm of the new players invited to the camp, saying the experience would help them settle into the Springbok environment.
“There were eleven uncapped players, and not all of them will get a chance to play this year, but that’s beside the point,” he said.
“The key was to get to know their personalities and for them to start feeling comfortable in the environment, and we are very excited about what they can deliver.
“We all think they have the potential to play for the Springboks one day, and this is only the first step for them to start understanding our systems, and obviously for the older players to see the young guys coming through to keep everybody at peak performance, so nothing can be taken for granted.”
BROWN: Boks a lot more dangerous now
The coaching staff will also host a virtual alignment camp for 21 overseas-based players, before a second in-person camp in Cape Town in May. That will be followed by the first official training camp in Johannesburg in June.
South Africa face a packed 2026 schedule featuring 13 Tests, along with a clash against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
For Erasmus, the camp has already sparked excitement as the Boks build toward the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“There’s still a lot of important Vodacom URC games to play, but after sitting in the room together, we can’t wait for the season to start,” he said.
ALSO: SA rugby talent pipeline in overdrive
“It was fantastic to see the excitement in general, and players like Frans (Malherbe), who we spoke to for the first time in a while, and guys like Kai Pratt, Markus Muller, and the other young guys, and to witness their excitement levels first-hand. I think some of them are very nervous, but overall, the excitement is great, and we can’t wait for the season to start.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Young guns impress Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
