Five Most Controversial Omissions from the Springboks Autumn Squad
Rugby NewsMonday, 20 October 2025 at 19:08
The Springboks' squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series has been announced, but several notable players have been left out, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
Here's a closer look at five of the most controversial omissions:
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? Autumn Fixtures for the Springboks
The Springboks are set to face challenging opponents in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series. Here are their fixtures:
- Saturday, November 1: South Africa vs. Japan at Wembley Stadium, London – Kick-off: 6:10 PM GMT
- Saturday, November 8: France vs. South Africa at Stade de France, Paris – Kick-off: 8:10 PM GMT
- Saturday, November 15: Italy vs. South Africa at Allianz Stadium, Turin – Kick-off: 12:40 PM GMT
- Saturday, November 22: South Africa vs. Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – Kick-off: 4:10 PM GMT
- Saturday, November 29: Wales vs. South Africa at Principality Stadium, Cardiff – Kick-off: 3:10 PM GMT
1. Faf de Klerk
- Position: Scrum-half
- Age: 34
- Club: Canon Eagles (Japan Rugby League One)
- Caps: 60
- Notable Achievements: World Cup winner in 2019 and 2023
Faf de Klerk's exclusion from the squad has raised eyebrows. Known for his quick service and tactical kicking, his experience would have been invaluable in the upcoming fixtures. De Klerk's contract with the Canon Eagles reportedly ends at the end of the upcoming season, and he is being offered to Top 14 clubs, which has piqued Toulon’s interest.
2. Juarno Augustus
- Position: Number 8
- Age: 27
- Club: Ulster Rugby (United Rugby Championship)
- Caps: 5
- Notable Achievements: Part of the 2023 World Cup-winning squad
Juarno Augustus has been a consistent performer for Ulster. His physicality and work rate in the back row make his omission surprising. Augustus joined Ulster on a 3-year contract starting from the 2025/26 season.
3. Evan Roos
- Position: Number 8
- Age: 25
- Club: Stormers (United Rugby Championship)
- Caps: 5
- Notable Achievements: United Rugby Championship Player of the Season 2024
Evan Roos' dynamic ball-carrying and breakdown skills have been a highlight for the Stormers. His exclusion from the squad is a point of contention. Roos has been in sensational form for the Stormers in the Vodacom URC, scoring four tries in as many matches to help the unbeaten Cape side top the log.
4. Sanele Nohamba
- Position: Scrum-half
- Age: 26
- Club: Shizuoka Blue Revs (Japan Rugby League One)
- Caps: 3
- Notable Achievements: Known for his quick decision-making and sharp kicking game
Sanele Nohamba has been a rising star in the scrum-half position. His exclusion from the squad has left many questioning the selection criteria. The Lions confirmed they have parted ways with scrum-half Sanele Nohamba, who will continue his club career in Japan.
5. Hacjivah Dayimani
- Position: Flanker / Number 8
- Age: 28
- Club: Racing 92 (Top 14, France)
- Caps: 4
- Notable Achievements: Versatile forward capable of covering multiple positions in the back row
Hacjivah Dayimani's versatility and consistent performances for the Stormers have made his omission from the squad particularly surprising. Dayimani signed a two-year contract with Racing 92 in 2024.
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