Springboks Nations Championship squad: Who is out injured?

The Springboks return to Nations Championship action in around two weeks.

Rassie Erasmus should name his squad for the remainder of the tournament in the coming days.

Here’s who will miss out, and who is at risk ahead of the Northern Series fixtures.

Which Springboks are on the injury list?

Cheslin Kolbe broke his jaw during the 29-24 win against New Zealand in September.

The utility back collided with Luke Jacobson’s knee early in the third Test, forcing him to leave the field.

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed that Kolbe will return to action only in December.

This rules the backline star out of the Nations Championship dates as he continues his recovery.

Kwagga Smith, who has just signed with the Bulls, is expected to return at the end of this year.

The loose forward tore his ACL and meniscus in May, and is said to be recovering well.

However, his projected return date of late December rules him out of the Nations Championship.

Similarly, the Bulls’ Embrose Papier injured his ankle in the Champions Cup win over Stade Francais on 17 October.

The club website confirmed the scrumhalf would need to undergo surgery.

Towering second row RG Snyman is unlikely to make another appearance this season.

The Leinster star ruptured his ACL in their URC clash against Glasgow Warriors in March.

This is his third knee injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the season, as cited by BBC Sport.

Who’s in doubt for the Nations Championship?

A cloud is hanging over the fitness of Andre Esterhuizen, who captained the Springboks against Australia in September.

The Sharks skipper limped off minutes into the win against Cardiff Rugby in Wales on 23 October.

Springboks fans watching André Esterhuizen leave the field injured…

With the Nations Championship underway, the last thing Springboks supporters want to see is another key player heading off injured.

Hopefully it's nothing serious and Esterhuizen will be back on the field… pic.twitter.com/Am3gr9Rc3z

— All Things Rugby (@AllThingsRugbyX) October 24, 2026

Jurenzo Julius missed the second half of the same game, sparking worry that he had also been injured.

Stormers hooker Deon Fourie tweaked his hamstring in the win over Scarlets at the weekend.

There has been no update from his club, but some sources suggest he could miss a few weeks.

In more positive news, Eben Etzebeth is expected to rejoin the Sharks in the coming weeks.

He missed action due to a lower limb injury sustained during the loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.

Fortunately, coach Rassie has a tremendous pool of talent to call on.

With the Rugby World Cup next year, he is likely to see the inaugural Nations Championship as a must-win.

Springboks’ fixtures

7 November: Italy vs South Africa, Juventus Stadium, Turin (12:40)

13 November: France vs South Africa, Stade de France, Paris (21:10)

21 November: Ireland vs South Africa, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (16:40)

27-29 November: Nations Championship finals weekend

Fixture details are correct according to the tournament’s official website.

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