Rassie Erasmus releases three Springboks ‘to assist’ URC teams, while double World Cup winner returns
Rassie Erasmus has trimmed his squad ahead of the final round of action in the Rugby Championship.
Rassie Erasmus has released three Springboks back to their URC teams ahead of the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Nelspruit.
With sufficient cover in the squad should any injuries arise, Erasmus was comfortable to release forwards Ben-Jason Dixon and Johan Grobbelaar and back Canan Moodie ahead of the title decider.
Springboks released
The trio have been released from the squad as the Springboks have completed their main training block ahead of the rematch with Los Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Grobbelaar and Moodie could feature for the Bulls this weekend in their opening United Rugby Championship clash against Edinburgh at Loftus Versveld after the South African teams delayed the kick-off of the season by a week due to the overlap with the Currie Cup final.
Meanwhile, Dixon is unlikely to feature for the Stormers as he was not included in their touring squad as they are away to the Ospreys this weekend.
“It would have been great for the players to remain with us and attend Saturday’s game in Nelspruit after their contributions to our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and it would have been special for them if we tick the necessary boxes to win the tournament, but it’s important to do our bit to assist the domestic franchises in their Vodacom URC campaigns,” said Erasmus.
“They have big games lined up, and every point in the competition counts, so we have no doubt the players will add immense value to their teams.”
Damian Willemse returns for the Stormers
Meanwhile, the Springboks have received an injury boost ahead of the November internationals against Scotland, England and Wales with double Rugby World Cup winner Damian Willemse returning from injury.
Willemse is the youngest player to ever win two Rugby World Cups having featured in the 2019 and 2023 successes. He played a pivotal role in the Boks team last year starting all of their knockout matches at full-back but has been sidelined with a finger injury.
However, the versatile back is back to full fitness and has been named in the Stormers’ 29-man touring squad by director of rugby John Dobson.
The Stormers get their season underway against Ospreys, Zebre Parma and Edinburgh before returning to Cape Town for fixtures against Munster and Glasgow Warriors ahead of the November break.
The side has also welcomed back Ruhan Nel from a long-term injury lay-off with Dave Ewers and youngster Louw Nel in line to make their competitive debuts for the Stormers.
