The Springboks officially kicked off their 2026 programme on Tuesday with a three-day alignment camp in Cape Town.
The players were exposed to the expectations of them on and off the field this season, the macroplan for the year, as well as the standards expected in each position.
The group of 49 players, including 11 new faces, assembled in the Mother City on Tuesday and had their first session later that evening, which dealt with the macroplan and logistics for the 2026 international season.
That was followed by a gym visit on Wednesday morning and a series of boardroom sessions throughout the day presented by the coaches, led by head coach Rassie Erasmus.
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The camp will continue on Thursday and conclude with the SA Rugby Awards, before the players return to their provincial unions on Friday.
The sessions covered the details of how a training and Test week operates, as well as the demands on them each week in national camp, and what they need to focus on individually to play their way into the national team.
This camp will be followed by a virtual alignment camp with 21 overseas-based players, with the second alignment camp set to be hosted in May.
Players at first Springbok alignment camp
Forwards:Â Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Ox Nche, Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka (all Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Siphosethu Mnebebele, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (all Bulls), Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouche, Frans Malherbe, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos (all Stormers), Bathobele Hlekani, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruan Venter (all Lions).
Backs:Â Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (all Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard (all Bulls), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Markus Muller, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse (all Stormers), Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Morne van den Berg (all Lions).
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