Springboks: Two players set to return to the mix in 2026
Cameron Hanekom
The Springboks will get even stronger this season with the eagerly-awaited return of two star loose forwards at some point in 2026.
The Springboks will welcome back two talented stars into the mix at some point during the 2026 season.
As daunting as it sounds for their rivals, the Springboks are set to become even stronger than they were during the 2025 Test season.
SPRINGBOKS DUO SET TO RETURN IN 2026
Elrigh Louw (flank) and Cameron Hanekom (eighth man) are both on track to return to the Springbok set-up this year.
Both Bulls loose forwards did not play a single minute for the Springboks in 2026.
Louw (knee ligaments and broken leg) and Hanekom (knee) were both sidelined for the entire Test season due to injury.
Louw damaged ligaments in his left knee and broke his leg during the Bulls’ URC encounter with the Lions in January 2025.
In fact, there were even fears that the injury could potentially be career-ending.
Thankfully, that was not the case, and Louw is on the mend following his return to action at the end of 2025. Fittingly, he made his comeback against the Lions.
Louw was a regular for the Springboks during the 2024 season under Rassie Erasmus. He is widely expected to return to the national squad as soon as he’s up to match fitness.
There is no doubt Louw will give everything, as he always does, to force his way back into the mix.
‘HIER KOM HANEKOM’
Hanekom also missed the entire Test season last year due to injury.
The skilled Bulls No 8 has been nursing a serious knee injury.
However, he is on his way back, with Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirming that all his players would be returning by March.
“We will have everybody back in March. By the end of February, everyone would have had their breaks, and then we can reassess where we are as a team in both competitions,” Ackermann stated on SARugbyMag.
There is no doubt that the powerful, dynamic and elusive number eight will stake a strong claim for the Springboks jersey.
Elrigh Louw factfile
Full names: Elrigh LouwDate of birth: 20 September 1999Place of birth: PretoriaSchool: TransvaliaSpringbok #922Physical: 1.95m, 112kgCurrent age: 26Test summary: Tests: 13 Tries: 1First Test: 2 July 2022 – Reserve against Wales at Loftus Versfeld, PretoriaLast Test: 23 November 2024 – Flank against Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Cameron Hanekom factfile
Full names: Cameron HanekomDate of birth: 10 May 2002Place of birth: CeresSchools: Paarl Boys High, Charlie HofmeyrSpringbok #945Physical: 1.93m, 110kgCurrent age: 23Test summary: Tests: 1 Tries: 0Only Test: 23 November 2024 – Reserve against Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
