Junior Boks gear up for World Rugby U20 Champs

The Junior Springboks are nearing the completion of their preparation for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship which starts at the end of the month in Italy, with just a few more training sessions remaining before the squad fly out to their tournament base on Tuesday.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote and his coaching staff are fine tuning the SA U20 squad’s final preparations for the 2025 Championship in Italy, with the squad based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, for the past three weeks.

Foote shared some insights into their rigorous training regime, which included two valuable closed training sessions against Kenya’s senior men’s team last week. These sessions provided the Junior Boks with a taste of the physicality and intensity they can expect in Italy.

“We've had a massive focus on our work ethic in this final preparation block,” Foote explained. “We've put in some great sessions around our game model and the players have been in great spirits despite the hard push.”

The hit-outs against Kenya were particularly beneficial, according to Foote, offering the young squad a chance to experience the physicality at every breakdown, maul, tackle and contest for the ball.

“It was really awesome to play those two ‘games’,” Foote said. “They were great match preparation, giving our guys more game time together and helping build synergy and relationships between players.

“We're very grateful for the opportunity to play against a senior men's outfit. It was a good test for our young men. Now, it's all about building confidence in the squad.”

The Junior Boks have now completed their game preparation and are set to fly out on Tuesday: “Wednesday was a training-free day,” Foote noted, “but we'll have another good training hit-out on Thursday.”

The excitement is palpable as the team look forward to their capping ceremony on Friday evening, where players will receive their blazers and celebrate with their families and friends.

The final session before their departure to Italy will take place on Monday, wrapping up an intense and productive preparation period for the young players. Foote also expressed his gratitude to the management staff for their efforts over the past three weeks, ensuring the boys are ready for the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile Vodacom Bulls lock Jaco Grobbelaar joined up with the group on Wednesday following the Pretoria-based franchise completion of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign over the past weekend.

“We are all very happy to welcome Jaco back into the squad and the players gave him a nice reception earlier today,” said Foote.

“He has that experience of playing for the Junior Boks last year, and he brings that and some URC experience with him, which is great for us. We are looking forward to working with him over the next couple of days as he settles into the squad.”

Junior Springbok squad

Props: Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

South Africa’s Pool A fixtures

Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks v Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks v England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo)

Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks v Scotland U20 - June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Play-offs

Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals (Verona and Viadana)

Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo)