The 2022 South Africa 'A' team, featuring players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and future World Cup winners, has seen a mix of success and setbacks since its last outing. Here's a breakdown of where these players stand now:
15. Gianni Lombard
- A regular starter for the Lions, but has fallen down the pecking order in Johannesburg.
- Signed a contract extension with the Sharks for the 2026/27 season.
- Aims to rekindle international ambitions after limited playing time for the Lions.
14. Suleiman Hartzenberg
- Made his SA 'A' debut at 19, but hasn't yet made the Springboks.
- A regular for the Stormers, earning his 50th cap before turning 22.
- On the Springboks' radar, attending alignment camps.
13. Henco van Wyk
- Tipped for Springboks, but injuries have delayed his Test debut.
- A standout performer for the Lions in the URC, catching the eye of national team coaches.
- Signed a two-year contract extension with the Lions in 2025.
12. Cornal Hendricks
- Passed away in May 2025 at 37 due to a heart attack.
- A former Springbok, Hendricks played 12 Tests, scoring five times.
- Part of the South Africa Sevens team from 2011 to 2013.
11. Leolin Zas
- A regular for the Stormers and Western Province.
- Played a pivotal role in the Stormers' 2022 URC title victory.
- Named in the Dream Team of the Season.
- Hasn't pressed for higher honors despite his regular appearances.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Made his Stormers debut in June 2022, featuring in URC quarter-final, semi-final, and final wins.
- Starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
- Selected in the Springboks' senior training squad for the end-of-year tour.
- Made his Test debut in 2024, enjoying a stellar first year of international rugby.
- Set a new record for most points scored by a South African in a Test match against Argentina in 2025.
- Signed a contract extension with the Stormers until 2028/29.
9. Grant Williams
- Capped just once by the Springboks before SA 'A' outing.
- Part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad.
- A key member of the Springboks team post-World Cup.
- Thrives in Tony Brown's attacking structures with the Sharks.
- Will join an unnamed Japanese club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
8. Jean-Luc du Preez
- Struggled to secure Springboks caps despite excellent performances for Sale Sharks.
- Left the Durban Sharks for Union Bordeaux-Begles in 2025/26.
- Missed July Tests and Rugby Championship matches due to injury and illness.
- Set to miss the 2026 international season due to concussion troubles.
7. Elrigh Louw
- Debuted for the Springboks in 2022, featuring against Wales and Argentina.
- Earned nine appearances for South Africa in 2024, including four starts.
- Suffered a career-threatening injury in 2025, returning to the Bulls in November 2025.
- Invited to Springbok alignment camps, expected to join the squad post-Bulls' URC Final.
6. Marco van Staden
- Represented the Springboks nine times before SA 'A' outing.
- Struggled for game time due to stiff competition in the loose trio.
- Overcame career-threatening concussions, selected for the Springboks' Rugby World Cup squad.
- Used as a back-up hooker, becoming a regular member of Springbok matchday 23s.
5. Ruan Nortje
- Made his Test debut off the bench in 2022, overlooked for the next two years.
- Eased a lock injury crisis in 2024, becoming a regular starter for the Springboks in 2025.
- A leader at the Bulls, helping them reach four URC finals.
- Signed with an undisclosed Japanese team for the 2026/27 season.
4. Jason Jenkins
- Made his Test debut in 2018, but hasn't added to his single cap.
- Left the Bulls for Munster in 2021, then switched to Leinster.
- Signed with the Sharks, continuing to represent them.
3. Thomas du Toit
- The only Rugby World Cup-winner in the squad that faced Bristol Bears.
- Left the Sharks for Bath, winning a PREM Rugby title with the side.
- Helped the Boks win the Rugby Championship and end the year tour unbeaten in 2025.
- Rejoining the Sharks ahead of the new season.
2. Andre-Hugo Venter
- Made his Test debut for South Africa against Portugal in 2024.
- Consistent performer for the Stormers, the side's first-choice player in his position.
1. Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Debuted against Wales in Bloemfontein, winning the Challenge Cup with the Sharks in 2024.
- Scored six tries in the URC as the Stormers reached the semi-finals in 2025/26.
- Included in the Boks' training squad for the upcoming season.
Replacements
- 16. JJ Kotze - Consistent performer for the Stormers, featured in the Springboks squad for a double header in PE.
- 17. Simphiwe Matanzima - Helped the Bulls reach three URC finals, moved to the Sharks for the 2025/26 season.
- 18. Mornay Smith - A powerful scrummager, stuck behind talented props in South Africa.
- 19. Dan du Preez - On the outskirts of the Springboks squad, a key cog in the Sale Sharks.
- 20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe - Left Durban for Montauban in 2024, helping them gain promotion to the Top 14.
- 21. Phepsi Buthelezi - Signed with the Sharks through 2028/29, made his Springboks debut against Portugal.
- 22. Sanele Nohamba - Named among the Blue Revs' departees in 2025/26, linked with a return to the Sharks.
- 23. Johan Goosen - Continued representing the Bulls until 2024/25, denied by injuries in 2025/26.
