Springboks gear up for international season opener against Barbarians

As excitement builds across South Africa, the Springboks are just under ten days away from kicking off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated match against the Barbarians in Cape Town.

With the squad entering the second week of training in Johannesburg, head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi have expressed their eagerness for an intense and thrilling international season ahead.

The Springboks will face the Barbarians for the Qatar Airways Cup next Saturday, June 28, before they gear up for two back-to-back Tests against Italy in Pretoria on July 5 and in Gqeberha on July 12. The team will then wrap up the Castle Lager Incoming Series against Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19.

Recently bolstered by the arrival of Vodacom Bulls players, Leinster lock RG Snyman, and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Handre Pollard after their participation in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Gallagher Premiership Finals last weekend, the squad is nearly at full strength.

Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the progress made at training thus far, indicating that the team has hit the ground running.

“We are well on track with our preparations for the Barbarians game,” Erasmus stated via the SA Rugby website.

“Some of the players are making a strong return from injury, and we’ve now had time for the players to settle back into our setup from their franchises and clubs.”

Only two players are yet to join the training camp: prop Thomas du Toit and newcomer Boan Venter. Both are expected to integrate with the squad at different stages over the coming week, adhering to international protocols.

Kolisi on the other hand reflecting on the team camaraderie, “We are excited about the season ahead and being back in camp. For most of us, it’s hard to say goodbye at the end of each season, so being back together and to see a guy like Lood (de Jager – who is returning from a lengthy injury layoff) was also great. On the field, we are training well, and our sessions are close to match intensity, so we are pleased with how things are going.”

Looking ahead to their inaugural home match against the Barbarians, Erasmus noted, “We wanted to play against them, and we know it will be a good test for us. They are a team that enjoys playing what they see, but the focus for us in that match will be on our structures.”

The Springboks will return home on Thursday to spend time with their families before gathering in Cape Town on Sunday, eager and prepared for their historic clash against the Barbarians.