Schoolyard to Springboks: Two teenagers fast-tracked by Rassie

Rassie Erasmus has included two teenagers in his plans for the Springboks’ 2026 Test campaign.

SA Rugby announced a 49-man squad featuring 14 Rugby World Cup winners, including Frans Malherbe – who has been out of action since the 2023 RWC final due to back and neck injuries – for the team’s first in-person alignment camp of the year in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Additionally, 11 of those players are uncapped stars with mostly URC and Junior Bok experience. However, upon closer inspection, one can see that Erasmus cast his net beyond the perimeters of the senior professional set-up of South African rugby, with the noticeable inclusion of Markus Muller and Kai Pratt.

Just last year the pair lined up against each other, with Muller leading Paarl Gim out against Pratt’s Oakdale in blue-ribbon schools rugby fixture. Now they are in the Springbok set-up together.

So just who are they? Well, let’s examine two of the brightest schoolboy talents entering the Springbok fold before even breaking into the professional domain. 

KAI PRATT (loosehead prop)

​​​​​Pratt has established himself as one of the most highly regarded young front-row prospects in South African schoolboy rugby. His early promise was evident when he reached the final round of U13 Craven Week selection at just ten years old, and his steady progression through the ranks culminated in representing SWD at Craven Week across age-group levels, earning SA Schools honours in 2025, and becoming a capped Junior Springbok; all clear indicators that he is viewed as a player of significant long-term potential.

He will take the next step in his career with the Sharks, having signed for the Durban franchise in a move that positions him within one of the country’s leading professional systems. Arriving in KZN with defined ambitions, Pratt targeted selection for the Sharks U21 side this season, with the aim of pushing into Currie Cup contention before year’s end. However, following his surprise inclusion in the Springbok set-up, that timeline may accelerate, with the possibility of URC involvement sooner than initially anticipated.

MARKUS MULLER (centre)

Markus Muller has long been spoken about as a generational talent, but his inclusion in the Springbok set-up might just have accelerated a rise that already felt inevitable. The Paarl Gimnasium centre changed the benchmark for schoolboy excellence over the past two seasons, amassing more than 50 tries for the 1st XV, producing multiple hat-tricks and five-try hauls, and delivering decisive performances against the country’s traditional powerhouses.

His blend of raw physicality, vision and composure – drawing comparisons to past greats such as Danie Gerber, Handré Pollard and Frans Steyn – has marked him out as more than just a prolific scorer. Whether operating at outside centre or shifting to inside centre for Western Province and the national teams (SA Schools and SA U20), Muller has shown the capacity to control matches, unlock defences and marshal those around him with maturity well beyond his years.

A triple leader at school, provincial and national level, Muller’s record-breaking 2025 campaign – featuring 30-plus tries and recognition as the world’s best schoolboy player – confirmed his standing as South Africa’s premier midfield prospect.

Having signed his first professional contract with the Stormers for 2026, he was expected to serve in Western Province’s age-grade ranks this year before making the step up to the senior setup. However, following his surprise elevation into the Springbok environment, that pathway may now fast-track. 

UNCAPPED PLAYERS IN SPRINGBOKS FOLD

Forwards (6): Kai Pratt, Emmanuel Tshituka, Siphosethu Mnebebele, Paul de Villiers, Riley Norton, Bathobele Hlekani

Backs (5):  Jaco Williams, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Markus Muller, Haashim Pead