The head coach Philip Snyman has named 11 players who featured in the Blitzboks’ season-ending World Championship triumph in Los Angeles in May, while also welcoming back seasoned campaigners Christie Grobbelaar and Donavan Don.

Snyman has also refreshed his leadership group - Impi Visser will take over the captaincy from Selvyn Davids, who shifts into a shared vice-captaincy role alongside Zain Davids. The coach believes the move will free up Selvyn to focus on his playmaking duties as the Blitzboks aim to deliver a strong start to the new season and defend the title they secured so dramatically in California six months ago.

David Brits - SA Rugby

Player of the Final in Los Angeles, Shilton van Wyk, again headlines the outside backs where he will be joined by the explosive Mfundo Ndhlovu and Don, who earned his recall after a stellar Currie Cup campaign with Boland. Snyman expects the trio to provide firepower on the edges throughout the Dubai tournament.

Up front, Grobbelaar returns after a recent United Rugby Championship stint with the Sharks. His physicality and tournament-winning pedigree will be crucial in a challenging pool that includes Fiji, Argentina, and France.

The former Cheetahs winger and title winning Blitzboks captain, Snyman, said the experience gained by his players will be invaluable in their upcoming campaign.

“Competing in the URC is a massive test, so having Christie back is a real boost,” said Snyman.

“Donavan has also been outstanding. They’ve slotted in seamlessly and I’m expecting them to provide some magic in Dubai.”

Snyman conceded finalising the squad was one of the toughest selection calls of his tenure, with intense competition during pre-season leaving several strong contenders on the fringes.

“There are four or five players who are very unlucky not to be on the plane,” he said.

“Ultimately, selection came down to time on the field and combinations that fired during pre-season.”

Phillip Snyman - SA Rugby

Injuries also influenced the final call - with Gino Cupido, Quewin Nortjé and veteran Siviwe Soyizwapi are expected to return in January, while Masande Mtshali narrowly missed out due to a hamstring strain.

Snyman says the leadership reshuffle was a strategic step as the squad begins transitioning towards the next Olympic cycle.

“Impi brings vast experience, and either Zain or Selvyn can take over when he leaves the field. Our leadership core is strong, but we’re also mindful that the squad is ageing. We need to build depth in every area.”

Shilton van Wyk - SA Rugby

The coach confirmed that 2026 will see broader rotation as he plans to expose emerging talent ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

“My intention is to rotate during the first six tournaments and then consolidate once the World Championship Series begins.”

The Blitzboks depart for Dubai on Monday as preparations for another demanding SVNS season shift into full gear.

Blitzboks squad for Dubai - Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (captain), Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Shilton van Wyk, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Donavan Don, David Brits, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds

Morgan Piek OFM Sport