First Springbok Virtual Alignment Camp of 2026 Includes 13 Japan-Based Players

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed the 21 players set to be involved in their first virtual alignment camp of 2026, and 13 of those are playing in Japan in the Japan Rugby League One (JRLO).

Photo Credit – JRLO – Faf De Klerk – Yokohama Canon Eagles

Those competing in Japan include: World Rugby and SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese (all forwards), as well as Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, and Manie Libbok (all backline players).

Erasmus explained, “Our in-person alignment camp was successful in terms of exposing the players to our expectations and the detail we are looking for at the international level this season, and we are thrilled to present those plans to the overseas-based players,” said Erasmus.

The main purpose of the alignment camps is to get everyone on the same page and ensure that they understand our values and what we are trying to achieve on the field, and with the international season drawing closer, it’s a good time to get the players tuned into our systems and structures, so by the time we have our first official training camp in June, everyone is aware of what we expect from them.”

Photo Credit – Tokyo Goliath – Cheslin Kolbe tackled by Richie Mo’unga

Players from other regions not in South Africa are former Junior Springboks Carlü Sadie (prop – Bordeaux Begles) and JJ van der Mescht (lock – Northampton Saints in England), who are the only uncapped players in the invited group, which includes 16 Rugby World Cup-winners.

Herschel Jantjies (a member of the triumphant 2019 RWC squad who last played for the Boks in 2023), who is with French club Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne), Jean-Luc du Preez (Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB)), Thomas du Toit (Bath- England, Jean Kleyn (Munster – Ireland),  RG Snyman (Leinster – Ireland), Boan Venter(Edinburgh – Scotland), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets) are the other players.

Two sessions will be hosted to accommodate the players’ different time zones, where they will be presented with the Boks’ macroplan for the year and detailed visions by Erasmus and his coaching team in their respective areas of expertise, said the South Africa Rugby Union.

This camp follows the first in-person camp earlier this month, where 49 players reported for duty in Cape Town.

Erasmus and his coaching team will host their second alignment camp in Cape Town, followed by another virtual alignment camp in May.

Photo Credit – JRLO – Manie Libbok Hanazono Kintetsu Liners

Virtual Springbok Alignment Camp 2026

• Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Jean Kleyn, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Carlü Sadie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Boan Venter, JJ van der Mescht, Marnus van der Merwe, Jasper Wiese.
• Backs: Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Faf de Klerk, Herschel Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok.

Japan Rugby News 2026

• Rassie Erasmus on the Good Relationships they have with the JRLO Clubs and on the Nations Championship.
• JRLO Congratulates Malcolm Marx – 2025 Men’s 15s World Player of the Year.
• Japan Women’s Sevens Series 2026 Challenger Tournaments.
• Understanding The Nations Championship 2026.