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IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ntokozo Makhaza's rapid rise: From Varsity Cup to Springboks in remarkable season
Ntokozo Makhaza's 2025 season has been extraordinary, transitioning from Varsity Cup Player of the Year to signing with the Cheetahs and joining the Springbok alignment camp, marking his rapid rise in South African rugby. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers The Cheetahs have since signed Makhaza as he makes the transition to professional rugby player, while putting his studies on the back burner. After being named Varsity Cup Player of the Year and Backline Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, the big unions began to take notice. At the beginning of the year, the 23-year-old backline player was turning in top performances in the Varsity Cup . Ntokozo Makhaza 's rise to the top of SA rugby in 2025 has been nothing short of meteoric. Makhaza's Dream Season: From Varsity Cup Victory to Springbok Alignment Camp Makhaza was also included in the Springbok alignment camp ahead of the new season, showing that he is already on the radar of coach Rassie Erasmus. Though his Springbok debut may still be some distance away, Makhaza is now determined to try and make that happen as soon as possible. 'Any rugby player's dream in South Africa is to play for the Springboks, it's a huge goal of mine,' Makhaza told 'After having a taste of the alignment camp and training sessions in Johannesburg, I am attracted to that [Springbok] culture and I just want to make sure I fit in the system. I want to make it.' 'I haven't had any calls as to when I might be returning but am very hopeful and I am ready because anything can happen.' As for the whirlwind season that has been 2025, Makhaza said: 'Yoh! I would say it has been a dream season,' Makhaza beams. 'Everything just fell together… winning the Varsity Cup with UCT, getting player of the tournament, joining the Cheetahs, and then being called into the Boks camp it's surreal. I'm just grateful. I know many people wish they were in this position. I'm taking it all in.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Scotland star Huw Jones' route to the Lions that began with Cape Town school job
Huw Jones is in pole position to wear the No 13 jerset for British and Irish Lions this weekend as the Scotland star realises a dream having been overlooked by academies before a Cape Town gap year ignited his dream When Huw Jones was in his late teens he admitted that being a professional player "wasn't realistic" - more than a decade later and he's reached the pinnacle of British and Irish rugby. The Scotland centre had long been tipped to make the squad and, unlike some of his new team-mates, his path to getting to the present day was not a well trod one. Unlike the usual club into age grade representative rugby into an academy pathway Jones found himself as a school in Cape Town on a gap year. The Glasgow star is among those from the never ending production line that comes out of Millfield School in Somerset. It's rugby exports include Chris Robshaw and Mako Vunipola but Jones knew the professional career wasn't on the cards at 18. Rather than going to university he opted for a gap year in one of the world's most picturesque locations. At the south end of South Africa would prove kind to Jones. A family friend hooked him with a job in a school. He signed up to play club rugby with False Bay in 2012, two years later he was playing in the Varsity Cup. Those exploits grabbed the attention of the Western Province. Jones' upward trajectory then saw him playing for the Stormers, rubbing shoulders with Springbok icon Siya Kolisi. It's just over 10,000 kilometres from Edinburgh to Cape Town but Jones' family tree meant he could always represent Scotland and so the call came. The 31-year-old, who had passed every challenge that had come his way, quickly took to international rugby. He enjoyed a stunning strike rate in the early days. He scored twice on his home debut as the Scots were edged out by Australia. Two memorable tries in 2018 secured a historic win over England. Jones though hasn't endured a career without its dips and challenges. He failed to make the squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. His defence was questioned and during Dave Rennie's spell as Glasgow boss Jones was having to try and master the art of fullback having been pushed out of the centres. A change in the coaching box though saw Jones recapture his best form alongside Sione Tuipilotu. That partnership has blossomed and the duo are first choice for Scotland and so the 'Huwipilotu' bromance nickname was born. Jones' try-scoring habit is firmly back. He now ranks as the most prolific Scot who doesn't play on the wing or at fullback. His club exploits have made him a league champion with Glasgow and, despite Jones' wholesome reaction at being selected for the Lions, few were surprised he got the shout. He told the Lions' website: "A lot of it is down to timing and being on form at the right time, and fit at the right time. I feel really thankful to the medical team, to the coaches who have been selecting me for the last couple of seasons that I've got myself into a position to be fit and play well to put myself in that picture. 'It's the pinnacle of rugby for me. I am a rugby fan, I grew up obsessed with rugby. I've been watching the Lions for years and years, those have been my rugby heroes, my whole life. To now be named in that squad, it's such a special moment for me.' Ireland's Garry Ringrose is out of the First Test this weekend with concussion and it has left Jones as the out and out frontrunner to wear No 13 and he's already shown an appetite for tries - crossing the whitewash three times already.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rassie's surprise pick Makhaza gets a chance to impress against Georgia
The former Varsity Cup star will feature for the Cheetahs in the tourists' only warm-up match in SA before taking on the Springboks. Ntokozo Makhaza during a Springbok training session in Joburg on 12 June, ahead of the start of the international season. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus might be the most interested viewer of Friday night's friendly match between the Cheetahs and international touring team, Georgia, in Bloemfontein. Not only will Erasmus be keen to see how the Georgians perform in their only warm-up match in South Africa ahead of next Saturday's Test against the Springboks in Mbombela, but he'll probably also like to see how Cheetahs winger Ntokozo Makhaza goes out wide for his new team. Remember, Makhaza was invited by Erasmus to one of the Boks' alignment camps earlier this season, following his stellar performances for the University of Cape Town's Ikeys side in the Varsity Cup. He was also part of the initial training squad ahead of the season-opener against the Barbarians. Not only does the 23-year-old Makhaza possess strength and speed out wide, he also kicks at goal. While Erasmus later released the promising backline player from his squad, the World Cup-winning coach said he would revisit his possible inclusion in the Bok group at a later stage. He said the player has a bright future. 'Measure myself against the best' Having joined the Cheetahs ahead of the Currie Cup competition, Makhaza gets a chance on Friday night to show South African rugby fans who haven't yet seen him in action what he is all about. He told OFM Sport he was looking forward to the game after getting a run against Griquas last week. 'Yeah, it was quite a step up from Varsity Cup, but I think I adjusted well as the game went on,' he said about the hit out in Bultfontein. 'Heading into the Georgia game, the big focus is going to be on physicality, but mentally I feel up for the challenge.' He added: 'I'm very excited. Like you said, they've got an electric back three, so I want to measure myself against some of the best in the world. For me, it's always about giving my best and seeing where I stand in comparison. So yeah, I'm really excited … super excited!' Georgia were beaten 34-5 by a severely weakened Ireland team missing their British and Irish Lions stars in Tbilisi last Saturday. Erasmus and the rest of the Boks squad will no doubt be quite keen to see how they go on Friday night. Kick-off in Bloemfontein is at 7pm.
TimesLIVE
23-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Kolisi hails Springbok regeneration as Makhaza call-up signals new era
Rassie Erasmus been methodically been injecting a new generation of talent into the Springboks, bringing renewed energy to a hugely successful team that has concerns surrounding its ageing core. The Springboks open their season against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (5.10pm). Among the most notable inclusions in their squad is Ntokozo Makhaza, the all-time highest points-scorer in the Varsity Cup from the University of Cape Town, included despite never having played a professional game. His call-up has turned heads, none more approvingly than captain Siya Kolisi. 'I'm so happy for the new players in the squad,' Kolisi said. 'Coach Rassie rewarded guys who performed well this season. The dirty work of the open-side flanker 😤 From playing eighthman at school, to learning how to tackle at the Stormers and moving to the side of the scrum. Siya Kolisi takes us through the evolution of his rugby style 📈 — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 22, 2025 'A perfect example is Ntokozo and just look at the way he played in the Varsity Cup.' Kolisi emphasised Makhaza's selection is not a token gesture but genuine reward for performance. 'He's been in the system. He worked hard in camp. And it's not just him but there are a number of new players who have incredible talent. 'It's something to be proud of. It shows that no matter where you're playing, whether it's Varsity Cup or club level, our coach is watching.' Hugely respected leadership figure Kolisi said he is guiding the younger players, even those not in the squad. 'It's very cool to see this transition. I'll be there to encourage them all the way.' 🗣️ "Is your output still the same? If you're 35 and you still do it, you can play!" Rassie Erasmus on his mindset when it comes to balancing youth with experience this season ⚖️ — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 21, 2025 Another talking point is Kolisi's evolving role on the field. For the Sharks this past season, the flanker was frequently deployed at No 8 under coach John Plumtree, with great effect. Kolisi finished the season as the Sharks' joint-top try-scorer with nine with promising centre Ethan Hooker. That has sparked debate around whether the Springbok skipper could continue at No 8 for the national side. 'To be honest, I don't know where I'll play for the Springboks this season,' Kolisi said. 'That's up to the coach.' Erasmus jumped in with a laugh: 'No! Not at 8.' While praising Kolisi's versatility, the coach was quick to clarify the plan. 'He's a nice option at 8, like a Kwagga [Smith] but we're sorted there. We've got Evan [Roos], Jasper [Wiese], and Marco [van Staden] for that role. Siya will be used more at 6 for us.'
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Springboks' latest call-up: Who is Boan Venter?
The world champions have a mini prop crisis to deal with in this early part of the season. Boan Venter is set to feature for the Springboks this season. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images Due to a mini prop crisis in the Springbok set-up, coach Rassie Erasmus called up little known Boan Venter at the weekend to join the squad for the next four matches. The Boks take on the Barbarians in their season opener in Cape Town next Saturday, followed by Tests against Italy (two) and Georgia, before they turn their attention to the Rugby Championship. With Steven Kisthoff retired and Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntuthuko Mchunu injured, Erasmus hasn't got as many prop options at his disposal as he'd like. Ox Nche and Vincent Koch are the most experienced and fit props remaining in the squad, followed by Thomas du Toit, Wilco Louw and then the rookies, Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye. Jan-Hendrik Wessels can also play prop. Venter adds to the options for Erasmus, though he and Du Toit will not be available for the Barbarians match next weekend, due to 'international regulations'. Both men play abroad, at Bath and Edinburgh respectively, and because the match next week falls outside the Test window, will only join the Bok squad sometime during next week. Here is what you need to know about the Boks' latest call-up. Who is Boan Venter though? He is a specialist loosehead prop, tipping the scales at 124kg and standing 1.87m tall. He was born in Kimberley and is now 28 years old. He matriculated at Hoërskool De Aar. The powerful prop made a name for himself as the Griquas' U18 Craven Week captain, while he also played for the SA Schools side in 2015. After school he joined Free State and played Varsity Cup rugby for Shimlas and then also featured for the Cheetahs. In 2017 he was part of the Junior Springbok training squad. In 2021, Venter joined Edinburgh. According to the Edinburgh Rugby website, Venter became the first prop to score a hat trick of tries for Edinburgh in the professional era, bagging a treble against Ospreys at Swansea Stadium in January 2022. He has played 80 games for the Scottish club and also qualifies to play for Scotland. Boan Venter during a training session with the Cheetahs in 2020. Picture: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images What Bok boss Rassie Erasmus says about Venter? 'Boan comes through the Cheetahs ranks and the junior structures in South Africa, and he has also been very consistent for Edinburgh. He knows what to expect from a scrummaging, mauling, and lineout perspective, so we are pretty sure he'll make it. 'We are aware that he could have qualified for Scotland, but for us it's not a case of denying opportunities to players abroad. We select the best players we can, and with Gerhard Steenekamp and Ntutuko Mchunu nursing injuries, he was the next best player on our radar.' Bok fixtures 28 June: Springboks v Barbarians 5 July: Springboks v Italy 12 July: Springboks v Italy 19 July: Springboks v Georgia 16 August: Springboks v Australia 23 August: Springboks v Australia 6 September: v New Zealand 13 September: v New Zealand 27 September: v Argentina 4 October: v Argentina 1 November: v Wales 8 November: v France 15 November: v Italy 22 November: v Ireland
