Mnebelele ready to take the reins as Junior Boks arrive in Georgia

The Junior Springboks touched down in Tbilisi on Tuesday after a demanding long-haul journey from Cape Town via Istanbul, with newly appointed SA U20 captain Siphosethu Mnebelele leading the squad into the next phase of their Junior World Championship campaign.

Mnebelele was appointed captain shortly before the squad departed for Georgia, following Riley Norton and Vusi Moyo’s inclusion in the Springbok squad for the Nations Championship.

Upon arrival at their hotel on the outskirts of Tbilisi, the SA U20s immediately focused on recovery, heading to a nearby gym for a cycling session to shake off the travel fatigue.

From Wednesday, the Junior Boks will be back on the field to round off preparations for their opening Pool A clash against Uruguay on Saturday at Avchala Stadium.

Their arrival coincided with the official World Rugby captains’ media conference, where Mnebelele spoke about the pride and responsibility of leading the Junior Boks, crediting Norton for setting an excellent example as a leader and saying he had learned a great deal from both Norton and Moyo.

“The way they carried themselves over the past two years has been a real motivating factor for me,” said Mnebelele.

“I am close to both Riley and Vusi and I have seen the hard work they’ve put in to get where they are.

“It is such an honour to be selected as captain of this talented group of players. I believe we have a strong leadership group and that will be a tremendous help to me as team captain.”

The Junior Bok hooker also had a taste of senior international rugby when he started for the SA ‘A’ side in their 40-0 triumph over Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Mnebelele said the Junior Boks are excited to be back in Georgia and are looking forward to finalising their preparations for the clash with Uruguay. The SA U20s toured Georgia earlier this year and won both matches against the determined hosts.

However, the new Junior Bok skipper is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead in the coming weeks: “We expect every team to be competitive and to pose a real challenge. I believe we have prepared well over the past few weeks and we are ready and excited for the tournament.”

Following the media conference, the participating captains attended the customary captains’ forum at the historic Metekhi Church – a symbolic gathering that underscored the cultural significance of the tournament’s Georgian setting.

Junior Boks’ Pool A fixtures

27 June v Uruguay

2 July v Georgia

7 July v Wales

Play-offs

12-13 July: Semi-finals

17-18 July: Ranking play-offs and final

Junior Boks’ 2026 World Junior Championship squad

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers).

Utility forward: Thomas Beling (Vodacom Bulls).

Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers).

Flyhalf: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers).

Centres: Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers).

Outside and utility backs: Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Team management

Kevin Foote – Head coach

Lumumba Currie – Assistant coach

Melusi Mthethwa – Assistant coach

Barend Pieterse – Coaching consultant

Zingi Hela – Team manager

Dr Clement Plaatjies – Team doctor

Warren Adams – Head of athletic performance

Farhaanah Nagia – Physiotherapist

Robin Williams – Physiotherapist

Rayaan Adriaanse – Media and PR manager

Zwonaka Mbedzi – Technical analyst

Franklin van Wyk – Logistics manager