Why ‘forgotten’ Springbok gets another chance after eight-year absence
· The South African
The last time that Embrose Papier laced up his boots for the Springboks, it was in a losing cause against Wales in Cardiff at the end of 2018. Since then, South Africa have only lost once to Wales.
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No one could have predicted then that it would be nearly eight years before the talented scrumhalf would receive another chance to add to his seven Test caps.
Yet, after navigating a long and winding road over the last few years, Papier will finally run out for the Springboks this weekend after knocking down the door through a series of standout performances for the Bulls this past season.
Huge opportunity beckons for ‘forgotten’ Springbok
After announcing a new-look team to face Scotland, Rassie Erasmus said the 29-year-old had earned another opportunity through sheer weight of performances.
I thought he played really well this season,” Erasmus said. “My first year of coaching was in 2018/19, and he’s got seven caps now, and most of them were at that stage.
“A few other scrumhalves who were established were part of two World Cups, and there were a real bunch of good nines, playing really well.
“Sometimes it’s not because the player is not playing well enough or is not Springbok class; it’s just because there are other guys that are playing really well.
“I think none of us can look past the fact that he played well this year, and then obviously there are some injured players and some guys who lost form, and he gathered form.
“He gets the opportunity at home with Handre, where he’s played a lot of rugby, so hopefully that helps him.”
Due reward
Recently, Papier was rewarded for this excellent form in the 2025/26 season by being named the South African United Rugby Championship Player of the season.
Papier’s selection was determined by votes from the Springbok coaching team, the four franchise coaches and selected South African broadcast commentators.
Utilising his scintillating speed, Papier scored nine tries in the regular league campaign, plus two more during a Player of Match display in the quarter-final victory over Munster, while he has also delivered five assists, beaten 25 defenders and made 15 clean breaks.
The Western Cape-born scrumhalf was just 21 when he made his Test debut against Wales in 2018, and this week he said it was a special moment to be back in the mix.
“I’m learning a lot every day. I’ve missed a lot of guys, and a lot of familiar faces, so it’s just great to be in the environment and learning from the guys.
“I still need to grow and work hard to earn my place here,” he added.
“We all know Handre has a lot of experience. We’ve spent a lot of time together, so I’m excited to go into this game with him.”