Vodacom Stormers rewarded with Bok recognition
Another Cape Town player, Vodacom WP flyhalf Isma-eel Dollie, was also selected.
Stormers assistant coach Gary Gold and physiotherapist René Lombard have also been included in the management team.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers confirmed a training squad of 42 players for the forthcoming camp in Stellenbosch and Somerset West on Saturday.
De Villiers did not announce any Sharks players in his initial training squad due to the team’s participation in the Vodacom Super 14 play-offs.
The Stormers in the squad are Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Enrico Januarie, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits and Schalk Burger.
“I want to emphasise that this is a training squad, not a Test squad,” said De Villiers. “I have selected certain players to work with them in a squad environment alongside the country’s finest players, and others because I felt I had not seen enough of them during the Vodacom Super 14.
“I want to congratulate all the players who were named, and I look forward to working with them all next week.”
Vodacom Stormers chief executive Rob Wagner lauded the team for their performances this season. He said it was a big compliment for the efforts of coach Rassie Erasmus, the team management, captain Jean de Villiers and the squad.
“They haven’t lost since the defeat to the Blues in Auckland. There is an amazing team- and fighting spirit.
“I think Rassie and his team laid a good foundation for 2009. We are looking forward to next year. The planning has started already.”
The squad assembles on Wednesday 21 May.
Backs
Heini Adams, Gcobani Bobo, Meyer Bosman, Tonderai Chavhanga, Jean de Villiers, Isma-eel Dollie, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Peter Grant, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Enrico Januarie, Conrad Jantjes, Zane Kirchner, Louis Ludik, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Wynand Olivier, Earl Rose.
Forwards
Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Brits, Schalk Burger, Wian du Preez, Kabamba Floors, Hilton Lobberts, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert, Brian Mujati, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit (c), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Heinke van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Joe van Niekerk, Duanne Vermeulen, Luke Watson.
