Where are they now? The 2022 South Africa ‘A’ team that included Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and two future World Cup winners
The 2022 South Africa ‘A’ team was a group of players who, while not yet household names, were certainly on the radar of the Springboks coaching staff. Among them was Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a young fly-half who would go on to have a breakout year in 2025, and two players who would go on to become World Cup winners: Grant Williams and Thomas du Toit. But where are they now?
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: The Rising Star
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the young fly-half, made his Stormers debut in June 2022, coming off the bench in the URC quarter-final victory over Edinburgh. His performances with the Stormers led to his selection in the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, and he was subsequently named in the Springboks senior training squad for the end-of-year tour. Feinberg-Mngomezulu made his Test debut off the bench against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, and enjoyed a stunning first year of international rugby, featuring in both matches against Ireland and the one-off clash against Portugal that July.
What makes Feinberg-Mngomezulu particularly fascinating is his rapid rise to the top. In 2025, he set a new record for the most points scored by a South African in a Test match, racking up 37 points against Argentina in Durban. His nine tries in 19 Test appearances (as of the end of the 2025 international season) means that he is already the top-try-scoring Springbok fly-half of all time. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's contract extension with the Stormers will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2028/29 season, and he is expected to return to the Springboks in time for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks.
Grant Williams: The World Cup Winner
Grant Williams, the speedy number nine, had been capped just once by the Springboks before turning out for South Africa ‘A’ against Bristol Bears. He went on to rack up 27 further appearances for the Springboks and was part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. While he didn’t feature in the knockout stages of the tournament for the Boks, Williams has become a key member of the Springboks team since. 20 of his 28 caps for South Africa have come after the victory in France, with the half-back thriving in Tony Brown’s attacking structures.
What makes Williams' journey particularly interesting is his ability to adapt and excel in different roles. He has played in various positions, including fly-half, and has become a real weapon off the bench with his blistering pace. Williams' move to an unnamed Japanese club ahead of the 2026/27 Japan Rugby League One season is a testament to his versatility and the high regard in which he is held by the Springboks coaching staff.
Thomas du Toit: The World Cup Winner
Thomas du Toit, the prop, was the only Rugby World Cup-winner in the squad that faced Bristol Bears. After missing out on World Cup selection in 2023, Du Toit left the Sharks to sign with English club Bath, where he has enjoyed immense success, winning a PREM Rugby title with the side – their first since 1996. In fact, he won the PREM Rugby Cup, PREM Rugby and Challenge Cup triple with Bath that season. Du Toit's performances earned him a place in the 2025 World Rugby Dream Team, and he will rejoin the Sharks ahead of the new season.
Looking Ahead
The 2022 South Africa ‘A’ team was a group of players who have since gone on to have significant impacts on their respective clubs and the Springboks. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's breakout year in 2025 and his record-breaking performance against Argentina are a testament to his talent and potential. Williams' World Cup win and his continued success with the Springboks showcase his adaptability and leadership skills. And Du Toit's success with Bath and his return to the Sharks demonstrate his resilience and ability to excel in different environments.
In my opinion, the 2022 South Africa ‘A’ team was a group of players who were ahead of their time. Their performances and successes have set them on a path to becoming household names in world rugby, and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.
