2023 Rugby World Cup: Springbok squad

Springbok’s 33 Man squad who will represent South Africa in 2023 Rugby World Cup in France have been announced today, the squad was announced by SA Rugby president Mark Alexander at the DStv’s MultiChoice City headquarters in Randburg. The defending champions will kick off the World Cup against Scotland on the 10th on September 2023, and the final is on the 28th of October 2023.

Omitted names that stood out in the squad are flyhalf Handre Pollard and centre Lukhanyo Am, who suffered an injury on his knee this past Saturday against Argetina, and it’s worse than what was anticipated. Pollard hasn’t played any rugby since injuring his calf playing for his English Premiership club Leicester Tigers in the semi-finals against Sale Shark. He had some training with the Boks, however, it is recurring injury and it’s set to keep him out of the tournament. Another name that is missing is Lood de Jager who reportedly has chest problems, but they have been placed on standby with six other players.

Boks skipper Siya Kolisi, who was doubtful due to injury, made the final cut and will lead the side in their attempt to defend the title they won in Japan four years ago.

There are twelve players that will be competing for the first time in the World Cup, while nine are experienced players.

Here is the South African Rugby World Cup squad 2023:

FORWARDS

Props

Vincent Koch

Ox Nché

Frans Malherbe

Trevor Nyakane

Steven Kitshoff

Hookers

Bongi Mbonambi

Malcolm Marx

Locks

Marvin Orie

RG Snyman

Jean Kleyn

Eben Etzebeth

Back-rows

Marco van Staden

Jasper Wiese

Kwagga Smith

Pieter-Steph du Toit

Duane Vermeulen

Siya Kolisi (captain)

Utility forwards

Franco Mostert

Deon Fourie

BACKS

Scrum-halves

Faf de Klerk

Jaden Hendrikse

Grant Williams

Cobus Reinach