Former Junior Springbok captain Zachary Porthen has been handed his first senior call-up as national coach Rassie Erasmus named a 36-man Springbok squad for next month’s European Tour.

The 22-year-old prop, who made his Stormers debut in May, is the only uncapped player in a squad that blends experience and fresh faces. The Springboks will play five Tests starting against Japan at Wembley Stadium on 1 November, followed by clashes with France in Paris, Italy in Turin, Ireland in Dublin, and Wales in Cardiff.

Flanker Ben-Jason Dixon, hooker Johan Grobbelaar, and prop Gerhard Steenekamp return for their first action of the season, while Jean Kleyn, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe have recovered from injuries. A further 10 players, including Ulster’s Juarno Augustus and Bulls utility back Sebastian de Klerk, have been placed on standby alongside senior figures such as Lukhanyo Am, MakazoleMapimpi, and Bongi Mbonambi.

Captain Siya Kolisi, currently on 98 Test caps, is poised to become only the ninth South African to reach a century of appearances. Erasmus said the tour would be a test of depth and endurance. “It’s great to see a young player like Zachary come through our structures. With five tough matches lined up, this will be a good opportunity to build consistency,” he said.

The squad departs this weekend, with Erasmus emphasising the need to maintain momentum after winning the Rugby Championship title earlier this month.

Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Spears), Franco Mostert (Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Zachary Porthen (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (D-Rocks).

Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Eagles), Manie Libbok (Liners), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).

Players on standby:

Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Ulster), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Evan Roos (Stormers), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks).

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Sebastian De Klerk (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks).