Springboks summon Lions loose‑forward Sibabalwe Mahashe for inaugural orientation camp
Just three months after making his professional debut with the Lions, 22‑year‑old Sibabalwe Mahashe has been named in the Springboks’ 40‑man orientation squad that will gather in Cape Town next week. The call‑up comes as head coach Rassie Erasmus looks to inject fresh energy into a side that will miss several experienced internationals through injury.
From Hudson Park to the Lions’ XV
Mahashe began his rugby journey at Hudson Park High School in East London, where he represented Border at Craven Week. After graduating, he joined the SA Rugby academy pathway, progressing through the schools, under‑18 and under‑20 programmes before signing a senior contract with the Lions in early 2023.
His first senior appearance came in a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Zebre Parma in February 2024. Since then, Mahashe has become a regular loose‑forward for the Johannesburg franchise, earning praise for his high work rate, dominant tackling and reliable ball‑carrying. In the 2023‑24 URC season he started 12 of the Lions’ 18 league matches and contributed two tries, helping the side edge closer to a knockout‑place finish.
The Lions’ coaching staff have highlighted Mahashe’s adaptability, noting that he can operate effectively at both blindside flanker and number 8 – a versatility that aligns with the Springboks’ current emphasis on multifaceted forward play.
Erasmus’ vision for the camp
Speaking to SA Rugby media, Erasmus explained that the orientation camp is designed to acquaint emerging players with the Boks’ training environment, tactical expectations and cultural standards.
“We look forward to including Sibabalwe in this camp as we continue to build our squad. The players who will not be present due to injury or workload remain in our plans; this week gives us a chance to match those who are fit and capable now with the way we want to operate so that when an opportunity arises they are ready to deliver at international level.”
Mahashe will join fellow newcomer Zekhethelo Siyaya of the Sharks, marking the first time both young loose‑forwards have been invited to a Bok camp together. The session will focus on skill drills, unit cohesion and introductory sessions on the Springboks’ set‑piece and defensive philosophies.
Camp schedule and upcoming internationals
The in‑person orientation camp runs from 13 to 15 May 2024 at the Cape Town Rugby Academy. Following the camp, the Springboks will commence their 2024 international season on 20 June against the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The home series continues with tests against England, Scotland and Wales, before a four‑match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series versus New Zealand. Later in the year the Boks will face Australia, Italy, France and Ireland on away fixtures.
Erasmus added that a second virtual alignment camp will be convened after the conclusion of the May session, allowing remote tactical work for players who are unable to attend in person due to club commitments or rehabilitation.
Players invited to the second in‑person Springbok orientation camp
Forwards
- Paul de Villiers
- Ben‑Jason Dixon
- Neethling Fouché
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Salmaan Moerat
- Riley Norton
- Zachary Porthen
- Evan Roos
- André‑Hugo Venter
- Bathobele Hlekani
- Francke Horn
- Sibabalwe Mahashe
- Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Cameron Hanekom
- Elrigh Louw
- Wilco Louw
- Ruan Nortjé
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Marco van Staden
- Jan‑Hendrik Wessels
- Cobus Wiese
- Siya Kolisi
- Ox Nché
- Emmanuel Tshituka
Backs
- Kurt‑Lee Arendse
- Canan Moodie
- Embrose Papier
- Handré Pollard
- André Esterhuizen
- Zekhethelo Siyaya
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Grant Williams
- Jaco Williams
- Quan Horn
- Haashim Pead
- Henco van Wyk
- Morné van den Berg
- Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu
- Damian Willemse
By integrating talented prospects such as Mahashe into the national set‑up early, the Springboks aim to sustain depth and competitiveness across a demanding season that features multiple Tier‑One
