Coach(es) Johan Ackermann | Captain(s) Oupa Mohojé | |
Union South African Rugby Union Nickname(s) Springboks, Springbokke, Boks, Bokke,
Amabokoboko Emblem(s) the Springbok and the Protea | ||
South Africa 'A', also formerly referred to as the Junior Springboks or the Emerging Springboks, are the fourth national rugby union team in South Africa after the national side, the South Africa Under-20 team and the national sevens team.
They competed in the Nations Cup in 2007 and 2008 alongside the full national teams of Namibia, Romania and Georgia as well as Argentina Jaguars and Italy A. They also sporadically play touring sides such as the British and Irish Lions.
The team is made up of players of all ages and is not necessarily a junior side. The selection criterion vary; played representing the Emerging Springboks may not have represented the Springboks before.
Current squad
On 28 May 2016, it was announced that Lions head coach Johan Ackermann would coach the South Africa 'A' squad in their two-match series against the touring England Saxons. The 23-man squad below was named for the series.
Franco Mostert was initially named in the squad, but an injury suffered by Pieter-Steph du Toit saw Mostert promoted to the national team on 31 May 2016 and Stephan Lewies replacing Mostert in the 'A' team.
Arno Botha and Jason Jenkins were added to the squad on 5 June 2016, with Oupa Mohojé being named captain.
On 7 June 2016, Garth April, Nic Groom, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Scarra Ntubeni were released from the national team to join to the South Africa 'A' team.