Rassie Erasmus has clarified the selection process for the first Springbok alignment camp of the year, and plans to cast the net wider in 2024.
The Bok head coach this week named a 43-man contingent that will be attending the first of three Bok strategic sessions from 4 March.
The world champions will get the wheels in motion for the new season in Cape Town with the first in-person coaches’ get together and a two-day camp, which will mark the Boks’ first gathering following their World Cup triumph in France in 2023.
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Sixteen uncapped players have been included, but a notable exclusion is Deon Fourie, who played a crucial role and captained the team in the closing moments as South Africa went back-to-back for an unprecedented fourth Webb Ellis Trophy crown.
DHL Stormers loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani and Vodacom Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe, both standout performers so far this season, are also out in the cold, but Erasmus on social media has not ruled out theirs or others national team involvement in future.
Hi
!! Hope 2024 is going well! Guys and Ladies just some info! Remember an alignment camp does not mean those are the only players who will play for the Springboks this year! Just like in the past there is a purpose for every camp! Have a lekka weekend!
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) February 23, 2024
Photo: Steve Haag Sports via BackpagePix
The post Rassie clears the air on Bok exclusions appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
