Springbok newcomer Zachary Porthen looks destined for the top
Big future: Zachary Porthen, who captained the Junior Springboks at last year’s Junior World Cup, is the only uncapped player in the Springboks squad named by Rassie Erasmus on Monday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Months after making his senior debut for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, young tighthead prop Zachary Porthen has been included in the Springboks’ squad to tour Europe next month.
The 21-year-old, who has risen through every level of junior rugby in South Africa, is the only uncapped player in the squad.
“It’s great to see a young player like Zachary, who has emerged through our junior structures, come through the ranks into the senior set-up, and we are excited to see what he can do at this level,” said Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Known for his powerful scrummaging and composure beyond his years, Porthen has quickly become one of South Africa’s brightest front-row prospects.
Porthen’s meteoric rise means he was always destined for great things.
Just three years ago in 2022, Porthen captained the Wynberg Boys 1st XV. His form for his school that year saw him selected as captain for the Western Province Craven Week team, and later the SA Schools side.
In a sign that he was being groomed for a future leadership role, he picked to lead the Junior Springboks in 2024, and also made his debut for Western Province in the Currie Cup. In the same year, his WP side would win the SA Rugby U21 Cup.
In 2025, he was a member of UCT Ikey’s successful Varsity Cup side, and he would go on to play his first game for the Stormers in May.
Now, all eyes will be on the former Junior Springbok captain as he aims to break into the senior Springbok side at just 21 years of age.
Porthen’s selection is a glimpse into the future of South African rugby. With the Springboks entering a new cycle and several veterans nearing the twilight of their careers, the emergence of a young, powerful tighthead like Porthen signals that the next generation is ready to carry the torch.
If his trajectory so far is anything to go by, this European tour could be the start of something special.
IOL Sport