In a significant shake-up ahead of the Springboks’ end-of-year tour, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw have been called up to the squad following the injury withdrawal of utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Wessels, who was initially named in the 34-man squad, suffered an ankle injury during the Bulls’ recent URC clash against Scarlets, prompting head coach Rassie Erasmus to seek reinforcements.
The injury to Wessels, who offered versatility as both a prop and hooker, opens the door for Grobbelaar and Louw to make their mark. With the squad now expanded to 35 players, it comprises 19 forwards and 16 backs, highlighting the depth and options available to the coaching staff.
Louw, a seasoned campaigner with 14 Test caps, last featured in 2021 but has been on the radar as a standby for the Springboks earlier this year. Grobbelaar, meanwhile, has been a consistent presence in the squad this season, earning starts in Tests against Portugal and Australia, showcasing his growing influence within the team.
Erasmus expressed his disappointment over Wessels’ injury but welcomed the chance for Grobbelaar and Louw. “It’s always sad to lose a player to injury, and we wish Jan-Hendrik all the best on his road to recovery,” Erasmus stated. “This opens up the door for Johan and Wilco to step up against quality opposition in Scotland, England, and Wales.”
He further emphasized the need for a specialist prop and hooker in Wessels’ absence, praising Grobbelaar’s development and Louw’s consistent performances for the Vodacom Bulls. “Wilco has been knocking on the door for a while now, and I have no doubt he will want to seize this opportunity.”
The Springboks will kick off their tour with a training camp in Jersey, departing on Sunday, October 27. They are set to face Scotland in Edinburgh on November 10, followed by fixtures against England in London on November 16 and Wales in Cardiff on November 23.
Updated Springbok Squad for the End-of-Year Tour:
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Malcolm Marx, Johan Grobbelaar, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse.
