The Springboks have added hooker Johan Grobbelaar and prop Wilco Louw to their squad ahead of the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This adjustment follows the withdrawal of Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who sustained an ankle injury during the Bulls’ recent United Rugby Championship (URC) match against the Scarlets.
Wessels, known for his versatility in covering both prop and hooker positions, was a key asset to the squad. As a result of his absence, the Boks decided to call up two specialists, bringing the squad size to 35 players, with 19 forwards and 16 backs.
Grobbelaar has been a consistent presence in the Springbok camp throughout 2024, while Louw, who last represented South Africa in 2021, has earned a recall thanks to his strong performances.
‘It’s always unfortunate to lose a player to injury, and we wish Jan-Hendrik a smooth recovery,’ said Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby. ‘However, this provides Johan and Wilco with an opportunity to prove themselves against top-tier opposition in Scotland, England, and Wales.’
Erasmus highlighted Wessels’ ability to play both hooker and prop, noting the strategic need for specialist reinforcements. ‘With Jan-Hendrik’s versatility no longer available, we felt it was essential to call up a dedicated hooker and prop.’
He further praised the new additions, ‘Johan has shown great development throughout the year and continues to grow within the squad. Wilco, on the other hand, has been delivering excellent performances for the Vodacom Bulls and has been on our radar for some time. I have no doubt he’ll make the most of this opportunity.’
Erasmus emphasised the importance of squad depth, especially with three challenging matches ahead. ‘We are excited to see what both players bring to the group, and Wilco’s inclusion strengthens our resources as we continue to build depth across key positions.’
The team will depart for a training camp in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, on Sunday, 27 October. Following the camp, the squad will travel to Edinburgh on 3 November to prepare for their opening Test.
The Boks are set to face Scotland at Murrayfield on 10 November, England at Twickenham on 16 November, and Wales in Cardiff on 23 November, continuing their tradition of year-end tours.
Springbok revised squad:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster).
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers).
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Picture: Anton Geyser / Gallo Images