Springbok alignment camp leaves Rassie Erasmus excited for the season ahead

The three-day camp featured a series of detailed boardroom sessions covering key areas of the game, the coaches' expectations, and the macro plan for the 2026 season. Players are set to return to their provincial unions on Friday.

"It's the first time we've been in person together, and as coaches and management, we've been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, so it was nice to see everyone face-to-face and explain the operational aspects for the year, as well as the coaching areas, which is probably the most important," said Erasmus, who was named Coach of the Year on Thursday evening and honoured for reaching 50 Test caps as Bok head coach.

"Most of the coaches and management are feeling comfortable that we got across what we think the players should know at this stage, and that means they can start working on some of the things that we're expecting from them when they get to the next alignment camp."

The Bok coach was also pleased with the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the uncapped players who were invited to their first Bok alignment camp and said it would set them in good stead as they harbour hopes of playing their way into the national team.

"There were eleven uncapped players, and although not all of them will get a chance to play this year, that's beside the point," said Erasmus.

"The key was to get to know their personalities and for them to start feeling comfortable in the environment, and we are very excited about what they can deliver.

"We all think they have the potential to play for the Springboks one day, and this is only the first step for them to start understanding our systems, and obviously for the older players to see the young guys coming through to keep everybody at peak performance, so nothing can be taken for granted."

The Bok coaches will also hold a virtual alignment camp with 21 overseas-based players. The second alignment camp will be hosted in Cape Town in May and will be followed by the first official training camp of the year in Johannesburg in June.

The Springboks have a bumper 2026 season lined up, which includes 13 Test matches, and an international against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday 20 June at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Erasmus said the camp sparked excitement among the players and management about the season ahead, as they build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and beyond.

"There's still a lot of important Vodacom United Rugby Championship games to play, but after sitting in the room together, we can't wait for the season to start," said the double Rugby World Cup-winning coach.

"It was fantastic to see the excitement in general, and players like Frans (Malherbe), who we spoke to for the first time in a while, and guys like Kai Pratt, Markus Muller, and the other young guys, and to witness their excitement levels first-hand. I think some of them are very nervous, but overall, the excitement is great, and we can't wait for the season to start."