Junior Boks assemble in Stellenbosch for U20 International Series

The Junior Springbok training squad assembled at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) on Monday and completed their first training session in the afternoon as preparations ramp up for the forthcoming Under-20 International Series.

The series will feature the SA U20s, as well as their counterparts from Chile, Fiji, and Georgia, and will be staged at three schools – Rondebosch Boys’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town’s southern suburbs and Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.

The inaugural tournament follows on the heels of the recent SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, where South Africa claimed the title after victories over Argentina and Australia, before drawing their final encounter against New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Several familiar faces reported for duty at SAS on Monday, including Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), who recently made his Vodacom United Rugby Championship debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, as well as his franchise teammate Luan Giliomee (utility back) and Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), both of whom after missing the Eastern Cape assignment due to injury.

Other players who sat out the Junior Boks’ successful campaign in Gqeberha through injury and are now back in the mix include prop Kai Pratt, loose forward Vuyo Gwiji, and centres Pieter van der Merwe and Christian Vorster.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote noted the positive energy brought by returning players: “Seeing the smiles on those who have rejoined the camp after completing their injury rehabilitation says a lot. We are very glad to have them back with us.”

The Junior Bok mentor reflected that while the U20 Rugby Championship was a valuable experience, the squad has pivoted quickly toward their forthcoming fixtures against Chile, Fiji and Georgia.

“We achieved our mission in Gqeberha, but we now face a fresh challenge and must prepare accordingly,” said Foote, adding that they have to hit the ground running, as there is limited preparation time before the opening round against Chile this Thursday.

SA Rugby U20 International Series fixtures

Thursday, 21 May – Rondebosch Boys' High School, Cape Town

1pm: Georgia v Fiji

3pm: South Africa v Chile

Tuesday, 26 May – Wynberg Boys' High School, Cape Town

1pm: Chile v Georgia

3pm: South Africa v Fiji

Saturday, 30 May – Markötter Stadium, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch

2.30pm: South Africa v Georgia

4.30pm: Fiji v Chile

Junior Bok squad to assemble in Stellenbosch on 18 May

Forwards: Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Altus Rabe (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Vodacom Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Thomas Beling (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Quintin Potgieter (DHL Stormers), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers).

Backs: Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers), Jandrian Goosen (Vodacom Bulls), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls), Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls), Olunje Mehlomakulu (DHL Stormers), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Jade Muller (CUT), Junaide Stuart (Vodacom Bulls), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Squad members to assemble in Stellenbosch on 25 May

Forwards: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers), Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Backs: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks).