Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith looks set to miss the 2026 international season following an injury picked up in Japan.
Despite another setback to his loose forward stocks, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will have plenty of replacements to choose from following a season-ending knee injury to Bomb Squad specialist Kwagga Smith during the Japanese rugby season.
While the importance of Smith’s contribution to the Boks cannot be overstated, his injury opens the door for the world champions to potentially expose more loose forwards to international rugby this season. It could prove to be a blessing in disguise ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
We look at five players who could fill Smith’s boots.
Evan Roos (Stormers)
