{
  "id": 16703949,
  "title": "Rassie prepares to name Boks’ Nations Champs squad: Who’s in, who’s out?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/rassie-prepares-to-name-boks-nations-champs-squad-whos-in-whos-out",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T04:04:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/erasmus-prepares-name-springbok-squad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Coach Rassie Erasmus is set to announce the Springboks' squad for their end-of-year tour to Europe, where they will conclude their 2026 Nations Championship campaign with four more games. The Boks currently sit at the top of the South pool with a full 15 points after victories over England, Scotland, and Wales during the upcoming internationals in July. They will face Italy, France, and Ireland in an attempt to retain their top position. The team that tops the South section will face the top team from the North section, currently France, in the \"Finals Weekend\" at Twickenham at the end of November.\n\nDuring their home internationals in July, the Boks faced some challenges against England and Scotland but ultimately secured three convincing wins. They will likely encounter a tougher challenge in their away games, particularly against France and Ireland, and will need to be at their best if they are to replicate their feat of sweeping their end-of-year tour games like they did in 2025. The Boks will surely have high confidence after defeating France with 14 men and dismantling the Irish set piece in 2025's victories.\n\nFans will be eager to know who makes the end-of-year tour squad, which is expected to be smaller than the squad that worked during their home international run. For the July internationals, the Boks used a squad of 46 players, giving everyone a chance. However, this number could drop to the mid or low 30s, meaning several players may miss out on the tour. Injuries, such as those suffered by André Esterhuizen, Handré Pollard, Deon Fourie, Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, and others, pose a significant concern. Some fringe Boks who play overseas, like Carlu Sadie, Ruben van Heerden, and Herschel Jantjies, might get another call-up. Among the young players, Riley Norton, Vusi Moyo, and Jaco Williams are of interest. With Kolbe out and a doubt surrounding Canan Moodie's recovery due to extended concussion symptoms, Moyo could get in, while Pollard's absence could open a door for Moyo, though Damian Willemse and Quan Horn might fill that void instead. Norton may also have a shot at selection, as RG Snyman is still sidelined with a long-term injury, and Ben-Jason Dixon battles concussion symptoms. The Boks will aim to assemble the strongest possible squad to build momentum and enhance certain partnerships, with the World Cup in Australia next year on the horizon.",
  "summary": "The Springboks will be looking to add the Nations Championship title to their ever growing trophy cabinet.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rassie Erasmus to announce Boks squad for European tour.",
    "Springboks top South pool with 15 points after July wins.",
    "Squad size may drop to 30-35 for end-of-year tour."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}