Tshituka brothers finally available for Springbok selection — report

Rassie Erasmus is finally allowed to select the Tshituka brothers for the Springbok team if he chooses to following the news that Vincent and Emmanuel have received their SA Identity Documents and are now officially deemed to be South African citizens, according to Rapport.

Bureaucratic red tape previously prevented the brothers, who both play loose forward, from being available for the Springboks. The Tshitukas were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but grew up in Johannesburg where they attended Northcliff High School and learned about rugby. Emmanuel (Manu) captained the first XV.

Both started their senior rugby careers with the Lions, before Vincent (26) moved to the Sharks in 2022, followed by his brother Emmanuel (24), who moved in 2024. Vincent has captained the Sharks on numerous occasions.

Sunday publication Rapport said the brothers had already received their citizenship and passports at the end of last year, but needed IDs to become eligible for the national team.

Springbok jersey

In an interview with The Citizen in 2022, Vincent said: “To become a Springbok has been a dream of mine for a long time now and it will continue to be a dream of mine to put on that jersey. As I wait, the onus is on me to just continue with my form and keep playing the best I can possibly play.

“I don’t doubt that if I continue on that route there shouldn’t be a reason why I won’t put on the Springbok jersey one day.”

In the same interview Vincent lamented how long it was taking for his SA documents issue to be sorted out.

“It is moving, but it’s moving at its own pace. I have to respect the process ultimately and that’s what I am doing. From my end I just have to keep playing well, doing my bit and when the opportunity comes just be ready for it,” said Tshituka.