In a significant boost for South Africa’s rugby team, World Cup champions Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Damian Willemse, and Andre Esterhuizen are making their return to the squad for the upcoming European tour following their injury lay-offs.

These four players were absent during the recently concluded Rugby Championship, which was a triumphant event for the Springboks, marking their first championship victory since 2019.

Damian Willemse’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy as he makes his return to the squad for the first time since the dramatic World Cup final against New Zealand last year. He has unfortunately missed all ten international tests played by the team in 2024 due to a shoulder injury.

Franco Mostert, the lock who started alongside Willemse in the World Cup final, has also been called up after his recovery from a broken leg that he sustained in a match against Ireland earlier in July. The squad, which consists of 34 players, was announced by head coach Rassie Erasmus on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, the Springboks will be without some notable players, including prop Steven Kitshoff, who is sidelined due to a neck issue, and lock Lood de Jager, who is dealing with a shoulder injury.

The South African team will leave for a training camp in the Channel Islands this Sunday as they prepare for three test matches against tough opponents: Scotland in Edinburgh on November 10, England at Twickenham on November 16, and Wales in Cardiff on November 23.