{
  "id": 9494854,
  "title": "Lions utility back Erich Cronjé hopes strong URC start can earn him a Bok call-up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/lions-utility-back-erich-cronje-hopes-strong-urc-start-can-earn-him-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T05:22:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/cronje-hopes-strong-lions-start-earn-bok-call/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lions utility back Erich Cronjé is optimistic that a stellar start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign could lead to a potential call-up to the Springboks. Cronjé and his fellow Lions back Henco van Wyk were invited to train with the Boks following their impressive performances in the RGR tour matches. The 30-year-old believes his experience and versatility, having played both wing and midfield, will be advantageous when he earns a spot with the national team. \"It's special to get a call-up, to train and learn from the best in the world at the moment. It was a great experience for me,\" Cronjé said about his time with the Boks. He acknowledges that the opportunity for a call-up becomes less as players age, but remains determined to prove himself in the Lions' URC opener against defending champions Leinster.",
  "summary": "A number of Lions players, including Erich Cronjé, will be aiming to impress as they kick off their season against Leinster on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}