Author: saru

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote‘s rotational policy continued when he named a reshuffled match-day squad for South Africa‘s final Under-20 International Series match against Georgia in Stellenbosch on Saturday, with regular captain Riley Norton back in the starting team.

South Africa’s Christopher Allison is one of 12 match officials to take the whistle at the Junior World Championship in Georgia, World Rugby announced on Wednesday, with a month to go until the JWC 2026 kicks off.

Vusi Moyo, who captained the Junior Springboks on Tuesday, hailed his side’s growing maturity and cohesion after their second big victory of the U20 International Series, over Fiji at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town.

The SA u20s led 56-11 at halftime and went on to beat Fiji 82–25, producing a dominant attacking display and running in 12 tries.

However, Moyo and Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote admitted there are still areas to refine as they build towards the Junior World Championship, which kicks off in a month’s time in Georgia.

“We spoke a lot this week about having a strong Test-match mentality and improving our maturity in how we manage the game, and I think that definitely showed today,” said Moyo. “The guys are excited for what’s ahead and to show how good this team can be.”

Moyo, who led from the front and played a full 80 minutes for the second week running, said the focus remains on building cohesion, fitness, and consistency across the squad.

The Junior Bok playmaker slotted 11 of his 12 conversions and again contributed 22 points to the team’s total, just like he did last week against Chile.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Moyo highlighted the influence of senior players and the strong culture within the group: “I’ve learned a lot from the leaders around me, such as Riley (Norton) and Esethu (Mnebelele), and I’m just trying to implement what I’ve gained.”

Moyo, who is in his second season with the Junior Boks, is also excited about the current crop of players in the SA u20 squad: “We’ve got a special group. The bond in this team is something I really value, and I am enjoying myself.”

Despite the commanding scoreline, Moyo acknowledged a slight lapse of concentration late in the match, which allowed Fiji to capitalise with a few tries.

“That’s something we’ll definitely look at,” he said. “It’s an area we can go back and work on. But Fiji deserves credit as they tested us, and that’s important for our growth.”

Foote echoed Moyo’s sentiments, praising the squad’s depth, character, and steady improvement: “We’ve got a lot of depth in this group. Players are really putting their hands up across the board.”

The Junior Bok coach also noted that while the team controlled large portions of the exciting contest, there is still work to be done in maintaining focus for the full 80 minutes.

With Georgia next on the schedule on Saturday at Paul Roos Gymnasium‘s Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch, Foote confirmed that rotation will continue as they balance performance with squad development: “We will make changes. It’s been important for us to expose players and build depth.

“Georgia will be physical and passionate, and it’s another great step for us as we build towards the Junior World Champs.”

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks recorded their second big score of the U20 International Series when they beat Fiji 82-25 (half-time 56-11) at Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon, with Luan Giliomee celebrating his return to the team with a hat-trick of tries, while Vusi Moyo again landed 11 conversions.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Lindsey Jansen and Risima Khosa scored hat-tricks, and Vusi Moyo kicked 22 points as the Junior Springboks showed their class with an emphatic 97-0 victory (half-time 52-0) over Chile in their U20 International Series opener at Rondebosch Boys’ High in Cape Town on a sunny but chilly Thursday afternoon.

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 team-mate 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 2026 – Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Cape Town
13h00: Georgia v Fiji
15h00: South Africa v Chile

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Cape Town
13h00: Chile v Georgia
15h00: South Africa v Fiji

Saturday, 30 May 2026 – Markötter Stadium, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
14h30: South Africa v Georgia
16h30: Fiji v Chile

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks have named a training squad for the forthcoming U20 International Series with Chili, Fiji and Georgia, with regulars such as Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp, and Pieter van der Merwe back in the group after they missed the recent U20 Rugby Championship due to injury.

The first batch of the squad will assemble on Monday, 18 May at their Stellenbosch Academy of Sports base, while players who carried a heavy workload in Gqeberha recently given an extra week of rest.

The squad feature players who attended the previous two Junior Bok training camps, the short tour to Georgia and the U20 Rugby Championship, won by South Africa, while Quintin Potgieter (loose forward) is a new addition.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said the selected group reflects their dual focus on immediate performance and long-term player development, as the national U20s continue to build depth and manage player workloads ahead of the 2026 Junior World Championship.

Looking ahead to the fixtures, Foote said the coaching staff would use the opportunity to rotate the squad and assess depth in key positions.

“We are looking to freshen up the squad, give players opportunities in certain positions and allow them to put their hands up for Junior World Championship selection,” said Foote. “It is an important balance between managing the group in the present and continuing to build for the future.”

The SA U20 coach added that the squad has been selected with both the immediate and longer term in mind, with the Junior Boks intent on maintaining their growth and cohesion, remaining competitive, and broadening the player base with both this year’s JWC and the 2027 cycle in mind.

“This tournament will provide valuable game time for players who may not have featured regularly during the recent U20 Rugby Championship, while also creating opportunities for younger squad members to continue their development within the Junior Bok environment,” said Foote.

Furthermore, the three-match series also provides an opportunity to manage the workload of several established players, while integrating the return of several others who did not play a part in the U20 Rugby Championship because of injury or their involvement in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Regular captain Riley Norton (lock) and Zekhethelo Siyaya (utility back), who were recently included in the Springbok alignment camp squad, are unavailable for the first two matches. Midfielder Markus Muller, who recently made his DHL Stormers debut, and Vodacom Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste were not considered due to injuries.

The match days will be hosted at schools in and around Cape Town, with final fixtures to be confirmed in due course. The series will be broadcast live on the SA Rugby YouTube channel.

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 (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 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).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and skipper Riley Norton praised the SA u20 side for fighting back from three tries to one down to draw 29-29 with New Zealand in their final match of the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqberha on Saturday.

South Africa fought back to hold a 22-15 lead at halftime in a thrilling encounter, which was staged in front of 18 100 people.

Speaking to the media after the match, Foote said: “We had moments where things didn’t go our way, but what stood out was the fight in the group and the resilience to keep coming back. That’s what you need in games like this, especially on occasions like these.”

Foote felt the Junior Boks showed clear development in their physicality and kicking game compared to previous encounters with New Zealand.

“Twelve months ago, we came here and didn’t kick particularly well. This time our kicking was mature, contestable, and it allowed us to play in the right areas of the field. There’s been real growth in our game.”

However, Foote admitted breakdown efficiency and ball security were areas where they could be better: “We probably turned over the ball too easily at times, and that’s something we’ll definitely work on. Against a team like New Zealand, you get punished if you’re not clinical.”

Captain Riley Norton, who had another solid game at No 5 lock,  echoed his coach’s sentiments, particularly around the tense closing stages: “Those last 10 minutes were hectic. Momentum kept swinging, and that’s where you learn the most,” Norton said. “We made a few simple errors and lost shape at the breakdown, and that gave them chances.”

Despite that, the Junior Bok skipper stressed the value of the tournament experience: “These are exactly the kind of pressure situations we’ll face at a Junior World Cup. You have to stay composed, control what you can, and trust your systems.”

Both Foote and Norton agreed that while the draw was bittersweet, the broader objective had been achieved.

“We’ve won the tournament, we’ve tested our depth, and we’ve learned a lot about ourselves,” said Foote. “This experience will serve us well going forward.”

Foote was also quick to credit the passionate Eastern Cape public for their role in the tournament’s success.

“To have over 40 000 people through the turnstiles across the three rounds is simply incredible,” he said. “From the moment we arrived, Gqeberha made us feel right at home.

“The energy in the stadium was incredible, and that support – right up until the final whistle of today’s game – was a massive factor for the boys. We are deeply grateful to every fan who came out to back us. They were truly fantastic.”

The SA u20s finished the tournament unbeaten, and with 13 points, after they and NZ both earned three points from the closing game – two points for the draw and one bonus point for scoring four tries each. Both Australia and Argentina finished on seven points.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has opted for continuity for their Under-20 Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand on Saturday, making just one change to the matchday squad for the final encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16h10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport. Tickets are available by clicking here.

The only adjustment to the team that defeated Australia last weekend is on the replacements bench, where loose forward Risima Khosa returns in place of Gert Kemp in an otherwise settled squad.

South Africa currently top the standings on 10 points and require just a single log point from Saturday’s clash to clinch the U20 Rugby Championship title for the first time.

Despite New Zealand’s recent stumble against Argentina, Foote believes the rivalry with the Kiwis remains the ultimate challenge for any South African rugby player, and feels the stage is set for another classic encounter between the two traditional rivals in the Friendly City.

“For us in rugby, it doesn’t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand,” said Foote.

“They are our greatest rivals and the opportunity to play them in front of the Gqeberha crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a privilege for everyone involved with the Junior Boks.

“We have huge respect for the New Zealanders and, like us, they will be highly motivated to end the tournament on a high.”

A combined total of more than 20,000 supporters attended the opening two rounds at the NMB Stadium, prompting Foote to emphasise the impact of home support.

“There is a unique energy that comes with playing in the Eastern Cape,” he said.

“We’ve felt the passion from the Gqeberha crowd since we arrived here two weeks ago and having that passionate support behind us means a great deal to the team.”

Looking ahead to the final round, Foote stressed that the team’s focus extends beyond silverware: “Our objective on Saturday is about more than just the trophy – it’s about our growth and continuing the journey we’ve started with this group.

“These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”

Foote added that he was pleased with the team’s preparation for the clash: “We’ve had a good week of preparation. The players are excited for this massive challenge, and the staff have done a tremendous job in keeping the group close-knit and in a very positive space.

“Gqeberha is a wonderful venue to host an international tournament such as the U20 Rugby Championship, and the people of the Eastern Cape have been outstanding hosts. We hope to repay that support with a quality performance against our greatest rivals on Saturday,” he added.

Junior Springbok team to face NZ in Gqeberha:

15 ⁠Akahluwa Boqwana
14 ⁠Jack Benade
13 ⁠Samuel Badenhorst
12 ⁠Ethan Adams
11⁠ Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
10 ⁠Yaqeen Ahmed
9 ⁠Hendré Schoeman
8⁠ Kebotile Maake
7⁠ Wasi Vyambwera
6 ⁠Luke Canon
5 ⁠Riley Norton (captain)
4⁠ Heinrich Theron
3 ⁠Danie Kruger
2 ⁠Liam van Wyk
1 Rambo Kubheka

Replacements

16 ⁠Mahle Sithole
17 ⁠Oliver Reid
18 Luan van der Berg
19 ⁠JD Hattingh
20 Risima Khosa
21 ⁠Jayden Brits
22 ⁠Vusi Moyo
23 ⁠Jade Muller

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks clinched the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship in emphatic fashion on Sunday evening, overpowering Australia U20 56–17 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha to seal the title with a game to spare, a performance head coach Kevin Foote credited to the squad’s growth, grit, and collective belief.

“There was a huge improvement,” said Foote. “I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit, and I’m super proud of everyone.”

He credited captain Riley Norton and the leadership group for setting the tone throughout the week and maintaining focus during a pressure match: “Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from Riley and the senior guys was really good,” Foote explained.

“From how we felt a year ago on this same night, there was a lot of motivation going into this game.”

While physical dominance remains a hallmark of Junior Bok rugby, Foote believes this group has developed a more complete and connected identity, thanks to the time they have played together since the beginning of the year.

“Our DNA is physicality, but it’s also skill,” he said. “You see the physicality in breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.”

Meanwhile, the SA U20 coach also praised the impact of his replacements after challenging the bench to raise their standards following the previous match, where they faded against Argentina after a storming 50 minutes.

“By their own admission, they wanted to fix last week, and I thought they did that today. Our discipline has also been excellent – we haven’t had a card in this competition yet, which is massive.”

Once again, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium proved an ideal stage, with an enthusiastic home crowd of 9 576 driving the Junior Boks forward.

The Junior Bok mentor described the stadium atmosphere as amazing. “The noise, the entertainment, the support – it’s brilliant. Every visiting team has said what a pleasure it is to play in Gqeberha,” reckoned Foote.

Meanwhile, Norton echoed those sentiments, placing emphasis on character, connection, and shared responsibility within the group.

“For us, it’s about character and care. The off-field connection has been unbelievable, and that carries onto the field. We’ve got an awesome group of guys who are willing to sacrifice for each other,” said Norton, while adding that home support brings an extra emotional edge.

“It means a lot playing at home. You feel the crowd, and it pushes you to give more for the guy next to you.”

Despite having already secured the championship, Norton was quick to stress that standards will not drop ahead of their final fixture against New Zealand U20 and cautioned his team to prepare well for the final encounter next week.

“If you take your foot off the gas, a team like New Zealand will punish you. We want to finish this tournament properly and keep improving.”

The Junior Bok side takes on New Zealand next Saturday at 16:10 in their third and last U20 Rugby Championship fixture.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications