Bok coach Rassie pulls off Japanese coup for end-of-year tour

The Springboks have received a significant boost ahead of their November tour to Europe thanks to Rassie Erasmus’ persuasive powers.

The Springbok coach has convinced Japan’s rugby clubs to allow their South African players to feature in two Test matches that fall outside the international window.

According to reports on Sunday, Erasmus has been granted special permission to select his Japan-based players for the first match of the tour against Japan at Wembley on November 1, and the final match of the year against Wales in Cardiff on November 29.

These matches normally fall outside World Rugby’s Test window, meaning players are usually required to return to their clubs. Erasmus, however, successfully secured their release — a rare coup in international rugby.

The special clearance means players such as Malcolm Marx, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Lood de Jager, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert, and Jasper Wiese will all be available for selection.

Erasmus explained that the Japan clash is part of a broader plan to provide game time to players not involved in the United Rugby Championship and those returning from injury.

“The Test against Japan is to give the players who don’t currently have a league some game time, as well as for players who are just returning from injuries,” Erasmus said.

The Springboks will face France, Italy, and Ireland during the November international window.

The Bok squad for the Autumn Internationals is expected to be announced this week. The Boks have lost only two Tests this year, and will look to finish strongly to ensure a favourabel draw in December for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.