The Springbok Squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France has been announced and 33 of our finest players will be taking to the field this year in the hope of making history!
South Africa (08 August 2023) – And just like that, the Rugby World Cup fever has kicked up in South Africa. We have got our squad, South Africa! We have got the team that will take us to France and hopefully make history by bringing home that trophy for a consecutive win (no pressure guys!)
Our hearts are so full with this team! Twelve of the squad will be making their debut at the world cup while the rest are World Cup Veterans. South African Rugby is relying on “youth and experience” to bring this one home.
Coach Jacques Nienaber shares how the final selection was made.
“This was one of the hardest selections we have ever had to make,”
“We’ve picked a squad with a bunch of the players who can also cover alternative positions, which we’ll need in a very tough World Cup.
“We were in a great position this year to have so many players knocking on the door for selection but unfortunately, we could only select 33. Injuries have had a hand in the final selection, but they are part of the game, and we are excited about the quality of the players who can step in and perform at World Cup level – as many of the players who featured against Argentina showed last weekend.”
The squad, which will be made up of 33 of our very best, includes:
Forwards:
Props:
- Steven Kitshoff
- Vincent Koch
- Frans Malherbe
- Ox Nche
- Trevor Nyakane
Hookers:
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Malcolm Marx
Locks:
- Eben Etzebeth
- Jean Kleyn
- Marvin Orie
- RG Snyman
Loose Forwards:
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Kwagga Smith
- Marco van Staden
- Duane Vermeulen
- Jasper Wiese
Utility Forwards:
- Deon Fourie
- Franco Mostert
Backs:
Scrumhalves:
- Faf de Klerk
- Jaden Hendrikse
- Cobus Reinach
- Grant Williams
Flyhalves:
- Manie Libbok
- Damian Willemse
Centres:
- Damian de Allende
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jesse Kriel
Outside Backs:
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Willie le Roux
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Canan Moodie
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