BREAKING NEWS : Rassie Erasmus reduces the Springbok group to 45 players by releasing 11 players.

Here’s the latest on Rassie Erasmus’ squad update for South Africa’s mid‑year Tests:

Squad trimmed to 45 players
• Rassie Erasmus has cut the initial 55-man training group down to 45, officially releasing 11 players after the first week in Johannesburg
• Of those released, six were injury-related: Gerhard Steenekamp, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Lukhanyo Am, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Cameron Hanekom, and Juarno Augustus
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• The other five—Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, Renzo du Plessis, and Ntokozo Makhaza—returned to their clubs

New addition: Boan Venter
• Edinburgh loose‑head prop Boan Venter (28) joined the squad, the sole new call-up. He replaces injured front‑row depth and was previously tied to Scotland before committing to the Springboks
• Erasmus praised Venter’s consistent URC and Challenge Cup form and noted his familiarity with South African rugby from his Junior Bok days

Squad outlook & next steps
• The revised 45-man group resumes training in Johannesburg this week. Players from the Vodacom Bulls will join Monday evening, with RG Snyman expected Tuesday. Pollard and Thomas du Toit will link up from Premiership finals teams over the next fortnight
• This squad is being bedded down ahead of high-profile matches: against the Barbarians in Cape Town (June 28), two Tests versus Italy (July 5 & 12), and a Test against Georgia (July 19)

Winners & those on standby
• Boan Venter, as the lone newcomer, earned a big opportunity.
• Evan Roos and Jasper Wiese both return to the squad after injuries, reinforcing depth in the back‑row
• The released players remain on standby and could rejoin if needed.

In summary: Erasmus has finalized a 45-player squad, cutting 11 (mostly due to injury or competition), while promoting Boan Venter to bolster the front row. This group now prepares for a stacked Test schedule over June and July.

Let me know if you’d like full breakdowns of the players still in, injury timelines, or projections for the upcoming matches!