Rassie Erasmus Explains Surprise Selection of UCT Winger Ntokozo Makhaza for First Springbok Squad of the Year
In a move that has stirred both excitement and intrigue in South African rugby circles, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named University of Cape Town (UCT) winger Ntokozo Makhaza in the first national squad of the year. The 23-year-old speedster, who has been making waves in the Varsity Cup, is one of the most unexpected yet talked-about inclusions in the squad announced earlier this week.
Speaking at a press conference in Cape Town, Erasmus shed light on the decision, emphasizing the need to recognize talent across all levels of the game—not just in the traditional professional pipeline.
“Ntokozo has shown something special,” Erasmus said. “Yes, he’s coming from a university setup, but what stood out was his consistency, work ethic, and raw ability. He’s got pace, a sharp rugby brain, and his defensive reads are far ahead of where we’d expect a player from his environment to be.”
Makhaza played a starring role for the UCT Ikey Tigers this past Varsity Cup season, scoring six tries and assisting several more. His electrifying runs, ability to beat defenders one-on-one, and composure under pressure drew comparisons to some of the country’s past great wingers.
Erasmus noted that Makhaza had been on the radar of the national setup for over a year. The Springbok high-performance team had monitored his progress closely, even inviting him to a few alignment camps and closed training sessions.
“We’re not picking him as a marketing move or a feel-good story,” Erasmus clarified. “This is a young man who has earned his spot. He’s trained with our systems, and the senior players were impressed with his attitude and skill.”
Makhaza’s inclusion is also part of a broader strategy by Erasmus to inject new energy into the squad while preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. With several senior players either retiring or managing workloads, opportunities have opened up for fresh faces.
“We can’t keep relying on the same group forever,” Erasmus added. “This year is about building depth, and giving players like Ntokozo a taste of the international environment now could pay big dividends down the line.”
Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the UCT rugby community. Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb praised Makhaza’s humility and leadership.
“Ntokozo has always been a grounded, focused player. He’s a natural leader and a true student of the game. We’re incredibly proud of him, and we know he won’t be overawed by the step up.”
With the Springboks set to face Ireland and Portugal in their July internationals, Makhaza may soon get the opportunity to make his senior debut in green and gold. Whether he features in the starting XV or not, Erasmus has made it clear that the young winger’s presence in the squad is more than symbolic—it’s a statement about the Springboks’ evolving vision.
