Rassie Erasmus has named a 46-man Springbok squad for the inaugural Nations Championship, blending the core of South Africa’s established international setup with six uncapped players and a raft of returning Vodacom Bulls stars following their URC final involvement. The squad, announced in the hours after the Springboks’ emphatic 80-31 victory over the Barbarians and SA ‘A’s 40-0 blanking of Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday, includes 28 forwards and 18 backs as the four-time world champions prepare for a demanding July schedule that begins against England at Ellis Park on 4 July.

Key squad news:

• Six uncapped players included: Paul de Villiers (flanker), Riley Norton (lock/loose forward), Ruben van Heerden (lock), Carlu Sadie (prop), Vusi Moyo (fly-half) and Jaco Williams (wing)
• Twelve Vodacom Bulls players return following the URC final, including Cameron Hanekom, Handré Pollard, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie
• Embrose Papier recalled after an eight-year absence from the Springbok squad, having last earned a cap in 2018
• Herschel Jantjies returns for the first time since August 2023, completing a four-strong scrum-half group
• Thomas du Toit returns after completing his season with Bath in England
• Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu absent through an ankle injury; Faf de Klerk not retained despite featuring against the Barbarians
• Nations Championship fixtures: England (Ellis Park, 4 July), Scotland (Loftus Versfeld, 11 July), Wales (Kings Park, 18 July), followed by a one-off Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires (8 August)

The most eye-catching element of the selection is the elevation of the six uncapped players who impressed during the two-week training camp and Saturday’s double-header in Gqeberha. Norton, the 20-year-old Junior Springbok captain who started in the second row against the Barbarians and was singled out for praise after the commanding victory, is listed among the utility forwards — a designation that reflects Erasmus’s view of the young lock’s versatility across the tight five and back row. Sadie, the Bordeaux-Bègles tighthead who won the Champions Cup this season, also made his case in the Barbarians fixture and now finds himself in a deep prop contingent of eight that includes the returning Thomas du Toit.

Among the backs, Sharks fly-half Vusi Moyo — the 19-year-old SA U20 playmaker who came off the bench against the Barbarians — joins an intriguing three-man fly-half group alongside the established duo of Handré Pollard and Manie Libbok. Jaco Williams, the exciting Sharks wing who featured for SA ‘A’ against Zimbabwe, completes the uncapped contingent.

Erasmus was effusive about the impact the newcomers had made during their time in camp.

“We are pleased with the quality of the group we have selected, and it’s also exciting to see the next generation of players coming through in Riley, Vusi, Paul, Carlü, Ruben and Jaco,” said Erasmus. “They all proved against the Barbarians and SA ‘A’ teams that they have what it takes to play at the highest level, and as coaches, we are fortunate that we’ve had the opportunity to work with them in the last two weeks.

“They are all familiar with the way the Springbok environment operates, the standards expected at this level, and they have shown that they are comfortable in the set-up, so we are excited for them to make this step-up.”

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The return of the twelve Vodacom Bulls players adds considerable firepower to the squad. The group, who were unavailable for the Gqeberha double-header due to their participation in the URC final defeat to Leinster in Dublin, includes a number of frontline Springbok performers. Cameron Hanekom, the dynamic number eight who has emerged as one of the standout players in South African rugby this season, returns alongside fellow loose forward options Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Cobus Wiese. In the tight five, Ruan Nortje bolsters the lock stocks alongside Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager and the uncapped Van Heerden, while props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp rejoin the front-row group.

Among the backs, the return of Pollard gives Erasmus his most experienced fly-half option for the England opener, while Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie provide additional firepower in the outside backs. Johan Grobbelaar’s inclusion at hooker completes a strong trio alongside Malcolm Marx and Andre-Hugo Venter.

Perhaps the most compelling storyline within the squad, however, concerns the scrum-half position. Embrose Papier’s recall after an eight-year absence from the Springbok setup is a remarkable tale of perseverance and rediscovery. The 27-year-old Bulls number nine, who was named the SA Vodacom URC Player of the Season for his outstanding form this campaign, last pulled on the green and gold in 2018 when he earned the last of his seven Test caps. His return speaks to the depth of talent now competing for places in the Springbok squad and the meritocratic approach Erasmus has cultivated.

Joining Papier in the scrum-half group is Herschel Jantjies, the 2019 Rugby World Cup winner who has rebuilt his career at Bayonne after falling out of the international picture following his last appearance against Argentina in August 2023. Together with incumbents Cobus Reinach — who has recovered from a knee injury — and Grant Williams, the quartet gives Erasmus four distinct options at nine.

“Embrose and Herschel have also made strong statements with their performances this season, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back in the squad,” said Erasmus.

The notable absentee from the squad is Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the gifted young utility back who remains sidelined with the ankle injury that ruled him out of the Barbarians fixture. Faf de Klerk, who featured from the bench against the Barbarians, has not been retained, while JJ Kotze and Lukhanyo Am — both of whom were involved in the Gqeberha double-header — also miss out.

The inclusion of Quan Horn among the outside and utility backs is noteworthy following his eye-catching start at fly-half against the Barbarians. Horn’s ability to cover fullback, wing and now fly-half makes him a valuable squad member, particularly when Erasmus considers the bench composition that has become a hallmark of Springbok matchday planning. Damian Willemse’s return to the squad after being rested for the Barbarians fixture provides another multi-positional option.

Erasmus expressed confidence that the returning Bulls contingent would integrate smoothly despite missing the initial training block.

“All of the players with the exception of Embrose have been in our system in the last few seasons, so they know our structures well, and will have next week to get back into the swing of things, before we begin our proper Test-week preparations,” he said.

The squad will travel to Johannesburg on Sunday to resume their training camp ahead of what promises to be a landmark occasion — the opening round of the Nations Championship, rugby’s new flagship competition. The Springboks’ July programme is a demanding one: after hosting England at Ellis Park, they face Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July and Wales at Kings Park on 18 July, before travelling to Buenos Aires for a one-off Test against Los Pumas on 8 August.

With the squad now confirmed, the focus shifts to how Erasmus will pare down his 46-man group into matchday 23s across the coming weeks. The depth at his disposal is formidable — eight props, seven loose forwards, six utility forwards, four scrum-halves and three fly-halves — and the competition for places will be fierce. For the six uncapped players, the hard work of earning selection continues; for the returning veterans, the task is to prove that time away from the setup has not dulled their edge.

Springbok squad for the Nations Championship:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Ntuthuko Mchunu (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Zachary Porthen (DHL Stormers), Carlu Sadie (Bordeaux-Bègles) uncapped, Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh).

Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Ruben van Heerden (DHL Stormers) uncapped.

Loose forwards: Paul de Villiers (DHL Stormers) uncapped, Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls), Siya Kolisi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).

Utility forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers) uncapped, Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls).

Scrum-halves: Embrose Papier (Vodacom Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (Bayonne), Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Fly-halves: Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks) uncapped, Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside and utility backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Fidelity ADT Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Edwill van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) uncapped, Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).

Nations Championship fixtures:
4 July — South Africa v England, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
11 July — South Africa v Scotland, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
18 July — South Africa v Wales, Kings Park, Durban
8 August — Argentina v South Africa, Buenos Aires

Ireland’s Nations Championship preparations have been dealt a significant blow after captain Caelan Doris and winger Tommy O’Brien were ruled out of the three-Test southern hemisphere tour following injuries sustained during Leinster’s 36-7 United Rugby Championship final victory over the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday evening.

Key team news:

• Captain Caelan Doris ruled out with a foot injury sustained in Leinster’s URC final victory over the Bulls
• Tommy O’Brien also sidelined after suffering a groin injury in the same match
• Dan Sheehan named as captain for the three-Test tour
• Uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn Ward and Zac Ward called up as replacements
• Ireland now without Doris, Crowley, Porter and Lowe for the Nations Championship
• Squad departs for Sydney on Monday ahead of the 4 July opener against Australia

Doris suffered a foot injury in the early minutes of the final, forced off after just seven minutes having unsuccessfully attempted to run off the problem. The number eight returned to lift the URC trophy at full time but the damage has proven too severe for him to travel with the squad, which departs for Sydney on Monday. It is another devastating blow for the 27-year-old, who missed last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia with a shoulder injury.

O’Brien’s departure is equally ill-timed. The 28-year-old, who scored the opening try in Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup final defeat by Bordeaux earlier this season, landed awkwardly following an aerial contest and was withdrawn before half time with a groin injury. O’Brien had enjoyed a breakout Six Nations campaign and his pace on the wing had been a key part of Farrell’s plans for the southern tour.

Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan will take on the captaincy for the three-match tour. Sheehan has previous captaincy experience at club, provincial and international level, having last led Ireland in their defeat to New Zealand in Chicago in November. He will be a familiar and popular choice to lead the squad in Doris’s absence.

Uncapped Ulster brothers Bryn and Zac Ward have been called into the squad as replacements, bringing the number of Ulster players in the touring party to ten. Both had been involved in Farrell’s pre-tour training camp last week and featured for an Ireland XV in their uncapped clash with England A at Thomond Park in February.

Zac Ward, 27, is the older of the two brothers and arrives on the back of a remarkable season with Ulster. The former Ireland Sevens representative, who converted from the back row to the wing when he joined Ulster on a short-term deal in 2024, scored 15 tries in just 20 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. His inclusion provides Farrell with another option in the back three following the departures of both O’Brien and James Lowe from the squad.

Bryn Ward, 21, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at his home province, making 20 appearances across the URC and Challenge Cup and playing a key role in Ulster’s run to the Challenge Cup final. The former Ireland Under-20s international was drafted into the Six Nations squad as a training panellist earlier this season and adds further depth to the back-row contingent. The brothers are sons of former Ireland international Andy Ward.

Their inclusion brings the number of uncapped players in Farrell’s 36-man squad to five, joining Connacht trio Sean Jansen, Sam Illo and Billy Bohan.

The loss of Doris compounds an already lengthy injury list for Farrell. The head coach was already without fly-half Jack Crowley, loosehead prop Andrew Porter, Ryan Baird, Shayne Bolton, Jack Boyle, Edwin Edogbo, Tom Farrell, Mack Hansen, Paddy McCarthy and Calvin Nash, while James Lowe was excluded from the squad following his decision to leave Irish rugby for Japan.

Jack Conan is the likely replacement for Doris at number eight, with the experienced Leinster forward offering 59 caps of international experience. Jacob Stockdale is the favourite to wear the number 11 shirt in O’Brien’s absence as Ireland begin the post-Lowe era on the left wing.

Speaking after Friday’s final, Doris said he would get the injury “checked out,” but the IRFU confirmed on Saturday that both he and O’Brien would play no part in the matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Ireland gather on Sunday before flying to Sydney on Monday. They open the inaugural Nations Championship against Australia at a sold-out Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 4 July, before facing Japan at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on 11 July and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on 18 July.

Updated Ireland Squad

Forwards (20): Tadhg Beirne (Munster, 70 caps), Billy Bohan (Connacht, uncapped), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster, 13 caps), Jack Conan (Leinster, 59 caps), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 86 caps), Sam Illo (Connacht, uncapped), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster, 4 caps), Sean Jansen (Connacht, uncapped), Rónan Kelleher (Leinster, 48 caps), Jeremy Loughman (Munster, 8 caps), Joe McCarthy (Leinster, 24 caps), Darragh Murray (Connacht, 3 caps), Tom O’Toole (Ulster, 21 caps), Cian Prendergast (Connacht, 11 caps), James Ryan (Leinster, 80 caps), Dan Sheehan (Leinster, 39 caps) – captain, Tom Stewart (Ulster, 5 caps), Nick Timoney (Ulster, 11 caps), Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 79 caps), Bryn Ward (Ulster, uncapped).

Backs (16): Bundee Aki (Connacht, 69 caps), Rob Baloucoune (Ulster, 8 caps), Harry Byrne (Leinster, 4 caps), Craig Casey (Munster, 28 caps), Nathan Doak (Ulster, 1 cap), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster, 12 caps), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster, 51 caps), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster, 84 caps), Hugo Keenan (Leinster, 46 caps), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster, 28 caps), Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster, 11 caps), Jamie Osborne (Leinster, 15 caps), Sam Prendergast (Leinster, 15 caps), Garry Ringrose (Leinster, 74 caps), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster, 42 caps), Zac Ward (Ulster, uncapped).

Match details:

Australia v Ireland, Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Saturday, 4 July, 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.

Japan v Ireland, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. Saturday, 11 July, 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.

New Zealand v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland. Saturday, 18 July, 7.10pm local time/8.10am Irish time. Live on Virgin Media One and ITV.

Joe Schmidt has named a 37-player Wallabies squad for the July Nations Championship Tests, recalling veteran prop James Slipper from international retirement and handing call-ups to three uncapped players ahead of a sold-out opening fixture against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 4 July.

Key team news:

• Three uncapped players named: fly-half Declan Meredith, lock Lachlan Shaw (both ACT Brumbies) and lock Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs)
• James Slipper recalled from Test retirement as the all-time Wallabies cap record holder (151 caps)
• Tate McDermott and Tom Wright return from long-term injuries sustained during last year’s Rugby Championship
• Jock Campbell recalled to the squad for the first time since 2022
• Overseas-based quartet of Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell all selected
• Zac Lomax, Tom Lynagh, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon among those unavailable

ACT Brumbies fly-half Declan Meredith, 29, and Brumbies lock Lachlan Shaw, 23, have both earned maiden selections after breakout Super Rugby Pacific seasons in Canberra. NSW Waratahs second-rower Miles Amatosero, 24, completes the trio of uncapped players in a squad that will also face France in Brisbane on 11 July and Italy in Perth on 18 July.

Your first Wallabies squad of 2026 🦘 pic.twitter.com/SWolpL7uuP

— Wallabies (@wallabies) June 19, 2026

Slipper, the most-capped Wallaby in history with 151 Test appearances, has been lured back following a short-lived retirement from international rugby. His inclusion adds significant scrummaging depth and experience to a front row that also features Racing 92 tighthead Taniela Tupou, who is set to finish his club commitments in France before joining the group.

The returns extend beyond Slipper. Scrum-half Tate McDermott and fullback Tom Wright are both back in the fold having suffered long-term injuries during last year’s Rugby Championship campaign. Charlie Cale, the Brumbies back-rower who won his first two caps before injury intervened, is also included. Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell rounds out the recalled contingent, earning his first selection since 2022 following an impressive domestic season.

Schmidt acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing his squad but expressed confidence in the group assembled. “There have been ongoing discussions amongst the coaches for a number of months and, as always, there are some very good players who have not been selected for this first international window,” the Wallabies coach said.

“We’ve settled on a group that we think will work hard and can perform well against three top-tier European teams with the added excitement of competing in the new Nations Championship for the first time.”

Amatosero’s selection represents a notable turnaround. The Waratahs lock was banned by the club earlier in the season after a preseason training altercation with teammate Angus Scott-Young that left the latter with a fractured eye socket. He was forced to train alone for a period, starting sessions at 5.30am before heading to the gym at Bondi Junction.

“I regret that it happened and it shouldn’t have happened,” Amatosero said at the time. “My biggest thing is the boys and team, and being away from them, seeing how it affected the team really hurt.”

Having served his punishment and returned to the Waratahs set-up, Amatosero appeared in all 14 Super Rugby Pacific matches in 2026, starting 12 of them. The former Clermont Auvergne lock, who came through the South Coogee junior pathways, has been rewarded for his consistency with a first international call-up.

Meredith and Shaw have both been integral to the Brumbies’ run to the Super Rugby Pacific finals. The fly-half started almost every game during the regular season, while Shaw, who stands 200cm tall and represented the Junior Wallabies in 2023, has established himself as one of the competition’s most prominent lineout operators. The pair’s club form included wins over the Crusaders, Blues and Chiefs.

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham welcomed the recognition of his players’ form. “It’s a great reflection of the work that’s been done across the whole program that we’ve had so many Brumbies selected in the Wallabies squad,” Larkham said. “The players have earned those opportunities through their performances and consistency throughout the season.

“Just as pleasing is the depth we’ve built within the group. There are a number of other Brumbies who are capable of stepping up and performing at that level if called upon. That’s what you want as a club – genuine competition for spots and a program that continues to produce players ready for international rugby.”

Eleven Brumbies feature in the squad in total, the largest contingent from any Super Rugby Pacific franchise. The Western Force contribute six players in Jeremy Williams, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carlo Tizzano, Dylan Pietsch, Nick Champion De Crespigny and Ben Donaldson.

Four overseas-based players have been selected. Len Ikitau, who has been in outstanding form for Exeter Chiefs, is set to feature in this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership Final before linking up with the Wallabies camp and will return to the Brumbies ahead of the 2027 season. Tom Hooper, also with Exeter, rounds out the UK-based pair. Tupou will join from Racing 92, while loosehead prop Angus Bell returns to the Waratahs following a season on sabbatical with Ulster in Ireland.

Among the notable omissions, code-hopper Zac Lomax was not considered for selection due to a calf injury. Tom Lynagh, Will Skelton and Jake Gordon are also unavailable. Queensland Reds duo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Matt Faessler miss out, as do Andrew Kellaway, Nick Frost and Ben Edmed.

The 37-player group will assemble in Sydney on Wednesday ahead of the sold-out Ireland Test, the first match of Australia’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign.

Wallabies squad for the July Nations Championship Tests

Forwards (20):
Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 88 caps), Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs, uncapped), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 50 caps), Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds, 2 caps), Nick Champion De Crespigny (Western Force, 4 caps), Tom Hooper (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 39 caps), Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 11 caps), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds, 19 caps), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 25 caps), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies, 20 caps), Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 3 caps), Lachlan Shaw (ACT Brumbies, uncapped), James Slipper (ACT Brumbies, 151 caps), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 14 caps), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 68 caps), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies, 62 caps), Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 25 caps), Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds, 36 caps)

Backs (17):
Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds, 4 caps), Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds, 20 caps), Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 19 caps), Josh Flook (Queensland Reds, 6 caps), Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds, 9 caps), Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies, 50 caps), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 20 caps), Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 5 caps), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 50 caps), Declan Meredith (ACT Brumbies, uncapped), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 35 caps), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force, 9 caps), Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs, 11 caps), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 18 caps), Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds, 1 cap), Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies, 6 caps), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 43 caps)

July Nations Championship fixtures:
Wallabies v Ireland – Saturday 4 July, 8:00pm AEST, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v France – Saturday 11 July, 5:30pm AEST, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v Italy – Saturday 18 July, 6:00pm AWST, HBF Park, Perth