Junior Bok squad named for World Champs in Italy
Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote has included five players who will feature in their second World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with lock Riley Norton retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July.
Five players are returning for a second consecutive U20 Championship campaign. These include Norton, Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Bathobele Hlekani (utility forward), Herman Lubbe (prop), Wandile Mlaba (loose forward), and Haashim Pead (scrumhalf). Their experience will be crucial as the Junior Boks aim for a strong showing on the global stage.
Among the new additions to the squad are Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf), both of whom will make their U20 international debuts. Kubheka represented South Africa at U18 level in 2023, while Van der Merwe featured in the same age group last year.
Stephanus Linde (No 8), Grobbelaar, and Jaco Williams (outside back) are also back in the squad after missing the recent U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha. Linde had toured with the Junior Boks to Georgia earlier in the year but was sidelined by injury.
The squad includes six players who are still eligible for the U19 age group, which bodes well for future campaigns. These players are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, Norton, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and outside back Cheswill Jooste.
Coach Foote acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing down the training squad of 37 players to the final 30. He praised the attitude and commitment shown by all players, especially those who have been part of the team since the SA U19 Academy Programme began last November in Stellenbosch.
'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application,' said Foote. 'Most of this group has been together since last November during the SA U19 Academy Programme in Stellenbosch.'
Foote also expressed gratitude to the schools and provincial unions for their contributions to the players' development, highlighting the importance of cooperation across all levels in preparing the squad through various training camps and the tour to Georgia.
Foote recognized the disappointment for players who missed out on selection but reassured them that they remain on standby and could still be called up if necessary.
'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players,' Foote added. 'We all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection. Thank you to them for their positive attitude, and they will remain on standby.'
The Junior Springboks will continue their training in Stellenbosch before departing for Italy on 24 June. They will open their tournament against Australia on 29 June in Calvisano. Their remaining pool matches are against England (4 July in Rovigo) and Scotland (9 July, back in Calvisano).
With a balanced blend of experienced players and exciting emerging talent, the Junior Boks are poised to compete strongly at the World Championship and lay the groundwork for future success.
JUNIOR BOKS SQUAD FOR 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (Western Province).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls).
Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, Western Province), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions).
Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Matt Romao (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Cheetahs).
Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Erich Visser (Cheetahs).
Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls).
Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (Western Province).
Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Jaco Williams (Sharks).
South Africa's Pool A fixtures:
Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks vs Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)
Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks vs England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo)
Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks vs Scotland U20 – June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)
Playoffs:
Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals (Verona and Viadana)
Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo)
WILL THE JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS CLINCH THE TITLE IN ITALY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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