Rassie Erasmus Calls Up Another Player As Springboks Star Gets Injured Again

• Rassie Erasmus has decided to call up another player to the Springboks camp ahead of South Africa's next rugby games
• The newly added player comes in as a replacement for another star player who is now ruled out due to recurring injury
• The Springboks would play their first match in 2026 next weekend against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, and SA' A would face Zimbabwe

South African rugby star Salmaan Moerat has been ruled out of the Springboks' camp through injury, paving the way for Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden to earn a late call-up.

Van Heerden, who has been one of the standout performers in the Stormers pack during this season's Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign, is set to link up with the national squad in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.

The world champions are continuing preparations for their opening fixture of the season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha next Saturday. Before the main event kicks off at 3 pm, South Africa A will take on Zimbabwe in a curtain-raiser scheduled for 12 pm.

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Why van Heerden was called up

The call-up comes after an impressive campaign for the Stormers, with Van Heerden building on the form that saw him claim the URC’s Tackle Machine award last season. He is no stranger to the Barbarians setup either, having featured for the invitational side against the All Blacks in November and the Springboks in June last year.

With the Springboks facing a shortage of available players due to injuries and scheduling demands, Van Heerden’s chances of earning a maiden Test cap have received a significant boost.

The national squad is expected to be stretched next weekend, with several players unavailable because of the United Rugby Championship final between the Bulls and Leinster. South Africa will field separate squads for the Barbarians fixture and the SA ‘A’ match against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha.

Springboks injury issues and squad announcement

The lock stocks have been particularly affected, with experienced internationals RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager all working their way back from injury, while Bulls captain Ruan Nortjé remains committed to provincial duty ahead of the URC decider.

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Now 28, Van Heerden has been one of the Stormers’ standout forwards this season and recently celebrated his 50th appearance for the Cape side. Before establishing himself in Cape Town, he also had spells with the Bulls, Sharks and English club Exeter Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Sharks loose forward Phepsi Buthelezi and Bordeaux prop Carlü Sadie, both of whom received call-ups on Monday, have already joined the Bok camp.

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, who will oversee the South Africa A side, are expected to announce their respective matchday squads next week.

Welsh rugby legend retires

Briefly News previously reported that an international rugby legend announced that he will call time on his iconic career at the end of this season, bringing a close to a prolific playing journey.

The 34-year-old Wales icon George North has earned 121 caps, won four Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.

Source: Briefly News