Latest news with #JuniorSpringboks
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks know how to connect, says coach Foote ahead of World U20 opener
Bathobele Hlekani Bathobele Hlekani will start at flank for the Junior Springboks on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix After a lengthy build-up, the Junior Springboks are 'feeling the energy' ahead of their World Under-20 Championship opener against Australia in Italy on Sunday. Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote announced his match-23 on Friday for the clash against the Junior Wallabies at the San Michele Stadium in Calvisano (3.30pm SA time kick-off), which boasts a number of top-class youngsters eager to make their mark on the global stage. Powerful forward Bathobele Hlekani will hope to make a big impression at blindside flank, having featured for the SA Under-20 in last year's tournament as well. The Junior Boks will be will be captained by Western Province lock Riley Norton, while other notable figures include fullback Gilermo Mentoe, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. 'We are extremely excited about starting the World Championship in Italy,' Foote said on Friday. 'It's a great country, and you can feel the energy within the group. 'The players have prepared well, they've got clarity, and they are just such a great group together. 'Selection is always tough and leaving some guys out is hard, but we've gone with a team that has played a lot together now, has a lot of synergy and understanding of our game, and knows how to connect on the field. 'We are very excited about the team that we have selected, with Riley Norton captaining the side, and he will be assisted by Haashim Pead, JJ Theron and Siphosethu Mnebelele.' Lock Jaco Grobbelaar and speedster Jaco Williams played for the senior Bulls and Sharks side in the United Rugby Championship last season, and will be keen to make significant contributions off the bench in the second. 'He's (Grobbelaar) trained very well since joining (last week),' Foote said. 'Having his big physical presence is fundamental to the way we want to play, and the same goes for Jaco Williams (outside back), who also joined late after completing his URC campaign with the Sharks. 'The nice thing about them is the calmness that they bring in their roles.' Junior Springbok Team 15 Gilermo Mentoe 14 Cheswill Jooste 13 Demitre Erasmus 12 Albie Bester 11 Siyabonga Ndlozi 10 Vusi Moyo 9 Haashim Pead 8 Wandile Mlaba 7 Bathobele Hlekani 6 Xola Nyali 5 JJ Theron 4 Riley Norton (captain) 3 Herman Lubbe 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele 1 Simphiwe Ngobese. Bench: 16 Jaundre Schoeman 17 Oliver Reid 18 Jean Erasmus 19 Jaco Grobbelaar 20 Matt Romao 21 Erich Visser 22 Ian van der Merwe 23 Jaco Williams.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks face tough challenge in World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy
The Junior Springboks have unveiled a powerful 30-man squad for the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with five returning players and several fresh faces ready to showcase South Africa's rugby depth on the world stage. Image: BackpagePix The Junior Springboks are aware of their pool of death for the World Rugby U20 Championship and that it will take a collective effort to reach the tournament's playoffs. Facing Australia, defending champions England and Scotland in Italy, they will have to win all their games to ensure that they make it out of the group stages to give them the best chance in the knockouts. However, they have experience from playing Australia, New Zealand and Argentina recently in the Rugby Championship on home soil and they feel they are way more prepared for the challenge after a strong build-up to the competition. The Junior Springboks will start the #WorldRugbyU20s campaign on Sunday vs Australia in Italy. Captain Riley Norton discusses expectations and dealing with pressure to bring a third title to SA after the #Springboks and Blitzboks' trophy wins — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) June 22, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ South Africa's U20s are under some pressure to win the tournament for the first time since 2012, and after coming up short in two competitions hosted in the country, they are moving to Italy to try and turn their fortunes around. With South Africa holding the Rugby World Cup and World Rugby SVNS title, there could be additional pressure on the Junior Boks to perform and bring a third title to underscore SA's dominance on the international scene. According to captain Riley Norton, they don't view it as additional pressure to win but will take inspiration from the success of the senior South African sides when they start the tournament in Turin. Kevin Foote on the #JuniorBoks' preparations: 'The players have been in great spirits despite the hard push' - more here: ✅#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 18, 2025 'We are going there to express ourselves, so I don't think the pressure is on us,' Norton said. 'The team is well prepared, and we are backing ourselves and the gameplan. We are in an unbelievable position to play rugby and to inspire the next generation. That pressure is not something we look at. "We know South Africans love winning and that will always be on your shoulders (if you represent the country), but we just want to go out there and do what we have trained and enjoy the moment. 'When we all enjoy it and love our rugby, that is when we play our best.'
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Norton to lead strong Junior Bok side in Italy
Western Province lock Riley Norton has been named captain of a powerful Junior Springbok side to play at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy from June 29 to July 19. The team show several changes to the squad which ended third in the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in May. Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) have not played for the SA U20s before, and Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Stephanus Linde (No 8) and Jaco Williams (outside back) are back in the squad after missing the Gqeberha tournament. Kubheka played for the SA U18s in 2024 and Van der Merwe in 2023, while Linde toured with the Junior Boks in Georgia earlier in 2025 before he picked up an injury, which ruled him out of the Rugby Championship. Grobbelaar is one of the five players returning for a second World Rugby Championship stint, alongside utility forward Batho Hlekani, prop Herman Lubbe, loose forward Wandile Mlaba and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. Six players who are still U19 have been included in the squad, which bodes well for 2026. They are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), Norton (lock), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) and Cheswill Jooste (outside back). Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote's selection had been a difficult task, and he and the coaching staff were pleased with the final squad. 'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application and most of the group have been together since November last year, when the SA U19 Academy Programme kicked off in Stellenbosch,' he said. 'I want to thank every player who has been part of the various training groups for their amazing effort. 'The schools and provincial unions also deserve a huge amount of credit for how they have prepared our players. 'We selected a good group of players who are determined to do the country proud with their performances on the field and their conduct off-field. 'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players and we all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection.' Junior Springbok squad: Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (WP), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (WP). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (WP), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions). Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (WP), Xola Nyali (WP), 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 (WP), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (WP). Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (WP), Jaco Williams (Sharks). SA's Pool A fixtures: Sunday, June 29: vs Australia U20 — Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). Friday, July 4: vs England U20 — Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo). Wednesday, July 9: vs Scotland U20 — June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). The Herald
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
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. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Baby Boks coach Foote says his men learnt plenty from Rugby Championship ahead of World Cup
Springboks Under-20 coach Kevin Foote beleives valuable lessons have been learnt by his young young charges ahead of the World Under-20 Championship. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship but coach Kevin Foote said the players can take positives from their courageous effort against the young New Zealand on Saturday. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion. South Africa had led 26-24 at the break. Foote said his players should be proud of their effort after being outscored by eight tries to seven. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I only met Riley Norton and the guys in November. We are working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place. The lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game against the Kiwis, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. Reaction from #JuniorBoks coach Kevin Foote: 'We know we are not the finished product and we have a lot of work to there are a lot of positives to take from that performance' - more here: 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #TRCU20 — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we have a lot of work to do, but think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving what they do with the ball.' Foote said the Junior Bok coaching staff will send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some must get game time. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached. We are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load will be managed, we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' The #JuniorBoks fought to the bitter end of #TRCU20, with magnificent support in Gqeberha and all over South Africa. We go again in a few weeks' time - thanks for backing our boys 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 SA Under-20 captain Riley Norton, who again had a solid game at lock, was also full of praise for the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' said Norton. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have built, not only on the field but off it, and the trust we have created, are extremely important. Norton also praised the Eastern Cape crowd for their support during the thrilling encounter: 'It was a massive honour for us to play in front of such a passionate crowd. "They came out in numbers on a Sunday afternoon, and we are privileged to represent them and play for the country. We want to say thank you to the people of Gqeberha for the support and hospitality throughout our three-week long stay here.'
