Having recently had the chance to train alongside the double-world-champion Springboks, 10bet Lions utility back Erich Cronjé has set his sights firmly on a national call-up ahead of South Africa’s upcoming European tour.
The 29-year-old caught the attention of the national coaches with strong performances, earning an invitation to the Bok training camp alongside teammate Henco van Wyk. Speaking to the media from the Lions training base ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) opener, Cronjé made no secret of how the experience has fueled his international ambitions.
Reflecting on his time rubbing shoulders with South Africa’s elite squad, Cronjé expressed immense gratitude for the sudden opportunity to test himself at the highest level.
“It’s special to get a call-up, to train and learn from the best in the world at the moment,” Cronjé told the media on Tuesday. “It was a great experience for me. I’m always eager to learn from the best in my position and from guys who have 140 caps, like Eben Etzebeth."
“It was a great experience. I didn’t think I would get the call-up, but I believe in God and everything that comes with it.”
Embracing the Springbok preference for versatile backline players, Cronjé noted that his extensive experience across both centre and wing, dating back to his days with the Southern Kings, gives him a valuable edge.
“At the Springboks, they call it being a hybrid. It’s always good to be a hybrid,” he explained. “I did play wing when I was with the Southern Kings. It’s always nice to play both and to have experience there. I have a lot of caps at centre and wing, so it’s nice for me.”
At 29, Cronjé remains driven to earn a spot on the end-of-year tour, acknowledging that the window of opportunity narrows as the years progress.
“I want to be one of the top performers in our team and get a call-up for the end-of-year tour with the Springboks," Cronjé admitted. "The reality is that when you get older, the opportunity becomes less, but I always have that belief."
“That’s why I’m doing this. That’s why all of us are doing this, to get the opportunity to get a call-up and to express yourself.”
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