In a move that has sent shockwaves through the South African rugby community, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has officially excluded several senior players, including some 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup champions, from the squad set to compete in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
The bold call marks one of Erasmus’s most decisive actions since returning full-time to the Bok setup — and it’s clear he’s prioritizing performance over legacy.
It’s time to refresh and evolve. Loyalty can’t outweigh performance,” Erasmus said at a press briefing in Cape Town. “We respect what these men have done for the jersey, but we can’t live in the past.”
While the full list has not been officially confirmed, insiders suggest that stalwarts like Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, and Duane Vermeulen may be among those left out — either due to form, age, or injury concerns.
For fans, seeing these iconic figures dropped is both shocking and symbolic: the Springboks are clearly shifting into a new era.
We have incredible young talent knocking on the door. The Rugby Championship is the right place to test them under pressure,” he said.
New faces expected to step up include Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, and Evan Roos, all of whom have impressed domestically and in limited international exposure.
The announcement has split fans and former players alike. Some see it as a bold and necessary evolution, while others believe the team still needs the leadership and experience of the old guard.
You don’t throw out legends overnight,” one former Springbok told local media. “But you also don’t win the next World Cup with nostalgia.”
With the Rugby Championship looming, all eyes will now be on whether Erasmus’s gamble pays off. The Springboks will face familiar rivals — New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina — with a squad full of youth, energy, and unproven combinations.
For the Springboks, a new chapter has begun. And Rassie is making sure it starts on his terms.
