Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ contribution to rugby and nation-building is set to be recognised.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will award Erasmus the Order of Ikhamanga during an investiture ceremony on 19 May.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Chancellor of the National Orders Phindile Baleni, who said Erasmus would be among 40 recipients honoured this year.
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South Africans who have excelled in fields including sport, arts, culture and journalism.
Baleni praised Erasmus for his impact both on and off the field during the Springboks’ recent period of success.
His inspirational leadership in national and international rugby has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup championships,” she said.
“Victory on the field of play has advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation’s esteem in the international community.”
Erasmus masterminded South Africa’s World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, helping the Springboks become the first nation to win four world titles.
The national orders recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to building a democratic and united South Africa.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi received the same honour in 2023 ahead of the World Cup in France, where the Boks successfully defended their title.
Sharks youngster Zekhethelo Siyaya and Lions loose forward Sibabalwe Mahashe get their first invitations for the camp in Cape Town next week as Erasmus casts the net wide for the Springboks’ blockbuster 2026 season.
Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier – who has been in unmissable form this season – finally gets a call-up after missing out on the previous two alignment camps this year. Lions No 8 Francke Horn and centre Henco van Wyk, and Stormers hooker André-Hugo Venter have also been included.
This camp will be a good opportunity to expose those invited to our setup and the standards expected of the national coaches,” said Erasmus.
“We’re looking forward to involving Sibabalwe, Zekhethelo, André, Embrose, Francke and Henco at this camp as we continue to build our squad depth.”
