The Springbok squad has been selected for the season opener against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
But this year, another squad is making the trip.
A squad made up not of professional athletes, but of passionate supporters whose love for the green and gold has earned them a place in South African rugby history.
Following thousands of entries from rugby fans across the country, Betway has revealed the 23 supporters chosen to form the inaugural Betway Squad. For one match only, when the Springboks face the Barbarians on 20 June, the familiar Betway logo on the back of the Springbok shorts will be replaced with something far more personal.
The names of 23 South Africans.
It is a powerful tribute to the supporters who stand behind the team every step of the way.
More Than Just Names
The campaign celebrates the people who make South African rugby what it is.
These are lifelong supporters, first-time match attendees, parents, children, community leaders and rugby lovers whose stories reflect the deep connection between the Springboks and the nation.
Together, they have become the “23 Behind the 23” — the supporters whose names will be carried onto the field by Springbok players as the team begins its 2026 campaign.
It is a first-of-its-kind moment in South African rugby.
And for the selected supporters, it is an honour that goes far beyond seeing their names printed on a jersey.
A Full-Circle Rugby Journey
For Yvette Van Der Westhuizen, the experience carries special meaning.
Her father represented Eastern Province against the British & Irish Lions in 1974. More than five decades later, her own name will return to the rugby field in the Eastern Cape as part of the Springbok match-day experience.
It is a moment that brings together family history, provincial pride and national passion.
From Schauderville to the Springboks
For Durell Bruintjies, rugby has always been more than a game.
Growing up in Schauderville in Gqeberha, he found purpose and inspiration through the sport.
Having played rugby throughout his life, being selected for the Betway Squad represents recognition not only of his personal journey but also of the family and community that helped shape it.
A Dream Rooted in Rugby Culture
Tando Funde’s rugby story began in King William’s Town, where the sport forms part of everyday life.
Inspired by local heroes such as Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am, she also played for her hometown club, Rock of Ages.
For Funde, seeing her name carried onto the field by a Springbok player is a dream she describes as “heaven on earth.”
A Legacy Passed Through Generations
For Unathi Pebe, supporting the Springboks is a family tradition.
The values she sees on the rugby field mirror those taught at home.
“We love rugby because the values on the field match the values in our home,” she says.
“Loyalty, grit and the belief that we are always stronger together.”
Her story reflects the way rugby continues to connect South Africans across generations and communities.
Celebrating the Nation Behind the Team
According to SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer, the initiative shines a spotlight on the crucial role supporters play in the team’s success.
“The Springboks have always enjoyed incredible support from South Africans, and initiatives like this recognise the important role fans play in the team’s journey,” he says.
“The response to this initiative has been remarkable, and we’re delighted that 23 supporters will have the opportunity to see their names carried onto the field as we begin an exciting new season in Gqeberha.”
Betway Africa’s Head of Sponsorship, Jason Shield, says the campaign exceeded expectations.
“We launched this campaign to celebrate the people behind the team, and the response from South Africans exceeded all expectations,” he says.
“Every one of these supporters has their own story, their own connection to the Springboks and their own reason for getting behind the team.”
The Ultimate Springbok Experience
The selected supporters will not simply watch from the stands.
They will travel to Gqeberha during match week and enjoy an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience.
The group will attend the Springboks’ Captain’s Run, where they will discover which Springbok player will carry their name onto the field.
They will then experience match day as special guests as the Springboks launch their 2026 season against the Barbarians.
For one unforgettable afternoon, the line between supporters and players will blur.
The names carried onto the field will remind everyone watching that the Springboks have never stood alone.
Behind every tackle, every try and every victory stands a nation.
And this time, 23 of those supporters will quite literally be behind the Boks.
The Betway Squad
