'No bias': Rassie Erasmus releases daughter's partner from Springboks squad

Thursday, 23 July 2026 at 11:48

byRugby Rucker

Rassie Erasmus has once again shown that family ties count for little when it comes to Springboks selection after releasing his daughter's partner, André-Hugo Venter, from the national squad.

⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!

The Springboks head coach on Wednesday named a 43-man group for the next phase of the international season, with South Africa preparing for an August warm-up against Argentina before the eagerly anticipated Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand. Ten senior players, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Handré Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, returned to the squad as they continue their recoveries from injury.

To accommodate those returns, Erasmus released five players back to their franchises, including Stormers hooker André-Hugo Venter, who is in a relationship with Erasmus' daughter, Nikki. The other players released were Ntuthuko Mchunu, Evan Roos, Jaco Williams and Embrose Papier.

The relationship has never been hidden. In fact, Erasmus joked last year that he almost had to select Venter because "his girlfriend would be really upset with me" if he didn't, a light-hearted remark that quickly made headlines.

This latest decision, however, underlines that selections continue to be made on rugby grounds rather than personal connections.

Erasmus explains squad strategy

Rather than viewing the move as a demotion, Erasmus insisted the split-squad approach is designed to keep as many players in contention as possible.

"We put a lot of thought into how we will manage the entire group of players to give everyone a chance to stake a claim for places in the squad for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series," said Erasmus.

"The players released to their franchises will also have an opportunity to face the All Blacks in their respective midweek games if they are selected, which will be invaluable for them once we decide on the final squad. We see this as a win-win situation for the team and the players."

Venter is expected to feature for the DHL Stormers in the provincial fixtures against the touring All Blacks XV, giving the talented hooker another opportunity to impress before Erasmus finalises his squad for the blockbuster clashes with New Zealand.

Poll:

Springboks handed toughest route to 2027 Rugby World Cup final

South Africa's quest for an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title is beginning to take shape after the 2027 tournament draw was confirmed.

Rassie Erasmus' side have been handed a favourable pool on paper, but the knockout stages promise far tougher challenges. We take a look at the Springboks' projected route to the final and the obstacles standing between them and more history.

⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!

Pool stage draw

South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.

It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia's physical approach and Romania's powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.

Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.

Round of 16

The Springboks are currently projected to face the runner-up from Pool E, which is likely to be Japan or the USA depending on how that group develops.

Either side would be viewed as a manageable opponent, although South Africa will not have forgotten their famous defeat to Japan in 2015. They should still be expected to progress comfortably.

Quarter-finals

A quarter-final against one of the leading Tier 1 nations appears most likely, with New Zealand or Australia the probable opponents. England are an outside possibility, but that would require them to finish third in their pool, making that scenario unlikely.

Pool A is expected to be won by either New Zealand or Australia. While the All Blacks look stronger on paper, Australia will benefit from home advantage. Whoever emerges will provide South Africa's first major challenge of the tournament.

Semi-finals

The most likely opponents would come from the top half of Pool E, with France, Ireland, Argentina and Scotland all potential contenders. If results go as expected, France are the team most likely to reach this stage.

Although Les Bleus have occasionally found southern hemisphere opposition difficult, their world class talent makes them one of the strongest teams in the competition and a serious obstacle.

Final

England are the most likely opponents if South Africa reach the final, although New Zealand cannot be ruled out. England, Ireland and Argentina all appear well placed to come through the opposite side of the draw.

If the All Blacks fail to win their pool, they would also only be able to face the Springboks in the final.

Predicted Springboks World Cup route:

Pool Stage: 1st
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England

2027 World Cup Draw

Pool A

New Zealand
Australia
Chile
Hong Kong

Pool B

South Africa
Italy
Georgia
Romania

Pool C

Argentina
Fiji
Spain
Canada

Pool D

Ireland
Scotland
Uruguay
Portugal

Pool E

France
Japan
USA
Samoa

Pool F

England
Wales
Tonga
Zimbabwe

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!