Rugby-South Africa name nine uncapped players in expansive squad

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - South African head coach Rassie Erasmus' Press Conference - SARU House, Tygerberg Park, Cape Town, South Africa - March 5, 2025 South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus during the press conference REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -Nine uncapped players have been named in an expansive 54-man South Africa squad for the first four of the country's 14 international matches this year.

Coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday retained 31 of the squad that won the 2023 World Cup in a sign of continuity but has also made clear he intended using tests against the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia to try out new prospects.