The Springboks are gearing up for the 2025 rugby season with their first national camp of the year, bringing together 56 domestic players in Cape Town.

The alignment camp, which is set to wrap up on March 12, will feature a mix of training sessions and strategy meetings, designed to prepare the players for the upcoming season.

This camp includes 18 members of the victorious 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, alongside 22 capped national players and 16 uncapped players.

Among the new faces at the camp is Asenathi Ntlabakanye, a promising tighthead prop who has impressed throughout the season, earning his first call-up to a Bok camp.

Who is Asenathi Ntlabakanye?

Ntlabakanye’s journey to this point in his career has been impressive.

He came through the Lions’ development system, impressing at the junior level before making his mark with the senior team.

Now, as the Lions’ first-choice tighthead prop, Ntlabakanye is being recognized as one of South Africa’s hottest rugby prospects.

Before making waves in professional rugby, Ntlabakanye attended St Stithians College in Johannesburg and was a key player for the Golden Lions in Craven Week across all age grades.

He also represented the Junior Springboks (SA U20) in both 2018 and 2019, showcasing his talents at a national level early on.

Ntlabakanye’s Background and Physical Attributes

Originally from Plettenberg Bay, a picturesque coastal town along South Africa’s Garden Route, Ntlabakanye has become a standout figure in South African rugby.

At 25 years old, born on April 15, 1999, he stands 1.83 meters tall and weighs 153 kg, a combination that makes him a force to be reckoned with in the front row.

A Potential Future Star for the Springboks

With the Springboks looking for a long-term replacement for Frans Malherbe, who is 33 years old, Ntlabakanye could be the answer.

Current backup props such as Vincent Koch, Thomas du Toit, and Wilco Louw are all over 29, which makes Ntlabakanye’s youth and potential even more valuable.

Despite his imposing size, Ntlabakanye is known for his surprising agility and skill.

Not only does he dominate in the scrum, but he also stands out for his impressive ball-carrying ability, precise tackling, and explosive speed off the mark.

These attributes, combined with his excellent handling skills, give him an edge over many other players in his position and would add another layer to the Springboks’ already formidable forward pack.

Social Media Presence

Fans can follow Asenathi Ntlabakanye on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life and rugby journey.

He’s active on Instagram under the handle @asap_ntlaba, as well as on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @asenathintlaba3.

The Springboks’ national camp marks the start of an exciting year for Ntlabakanye, and it could be the beginning of an impactful future with the team.

As the Springboks continue to prepare for 2025, all eyes will be on this rising star as he pushes for a place in the starting lineup.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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