Grobbelaar eyes domestic success as route into Bok line-up after camp exclusion

As the search for a third-choice Springbok hooker widened with the inclusion of Wales-based Marnus van der Merwe in this month’s Springbok alignment camp, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ explosive form, Johan Grobbelaar has kept his mind on club rugby.

He sees it as his avenue back into the Springbok line-up while ignoring what could be interpreted as a snub at the camp.

The 27-year-old specialist hooker was once seen as the likely understudy to the increasingly injury-hit Malcolm Marx, 30, and the ageing Bongi Mbonambi, 33, particularly with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

He only has three Test caps, though they came last season (against Australia, Portugal and Wales), and was among the 56 domestic players featuring in 2025’s first Bok camp in March.

Joseph Dweba and André-Hugo Venter are also in the running for the hooker position and likewise missed the May camp after featuring two months earlier.

Grobbelaar focuses on his game

While some have seen the omission of certain players as a rejection, Bok boss Rassie Erasmus has always said exclusion does not mean players have fallen out of favour. Instead, their chances of selection for the Springboks are as strong as they were before.

When asked about it all on the eve of the alignment camp’s player announcement, Grobbelaar turned attention to the domestic season, saying he was happy with his form. The hooker has secured five tries and contributed to the Bulls’ forward pack dominance this season.

“All focus is with the Bulls and I want to play my best rugby for the club,” he said.

“We get through the play-offs and then the final – we tick those boxes then selectors will see you. It’s important to give yourself the best chance of being selected for that squad as well.”

Bulls set to go all the way in the URC

The Bulls have been the most consistent South African team in the United Rugby Championship, twice reaching the final and once the quarter-final.

They have made mention of their desire to go all the way this time, first needing to beat Edinburgh in the quarter-final at Loftus next weekend. Victory there gives them a home semi-final against the winner between the Sharks and Munster on 7 June.

The final will either be played at Loftus or if it’s against Leinster, away at Aviva Stadium.

The Bulls are on a four-game winning streak and finished the league phase of the URC with their most number of points (68) and most wins (14).