Author: saru

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi shared some inspiring words with the future stars of South African rugby when he visited the Junior Springboks at their Saturday morning training session on the B-field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

The Junior Boks returned to the training field on Saturday following their victory over Argentina in the opening round of the Under-20 Rugby Championship held in Gqeberha.

Kolisi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, is visiting his hometown and made a surprise appearance at the Junior Boks’ field session.

“It’s amazing to see the boys and good to be in Gqeberha, where people are so hungry for rugby and to see our boys play,” said Kolisi.

“I can see they and the coaches are working hard, they have a great culture and I can see the future of our rugby is in good hands.”

Kolisi was quite amazed at the size of some of the players: “The size of these boys, it’s ridiculous compared to me,” he quipped.

When asked what he said to them, Kolisi replied: “I just wished them luck and told them that, at this young age, it’s a huge privilege. They represent all of us in South Africa right now; this is their opportunity, and they must use it well. They are representing not just some people, but the whole of the country.

“They must enjoy the moment because the opportunity can be taken away just like that. I also told them to dream bigger than what is happening on the field – this is not the end for them, they want to kick on to the highest level.”

After nearly 9000 people attended the Junior Boks’ opening game on Thursday, Kolisi also had a special message for the rugby supporters in the Eastern Cape city, where the Boks will face Italy in July.

“I know I don’t have to urge the rugby supporters in Gqeberha to come and support the tournament and our boys,” said the Bok captain.

“I know they are going to attend because this province is hungry for rugby and big events. That’s why every time we come here it’s always full and the people come to welcome us at the airport.

“I want to say thanks in advance to the people in Gqeberha for coming out to support the boys and filling out the stadium – you can see this province can host big events and hopefully more will come after this.”

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said he and his teammates were extremely excited to see the two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain take time out of his busy schedule to come and attend their morning training session.

“Seeing Siya watch the training session and then his engagement with the squad and staff afterwards was a very special moment,” said Norton. “He is our hero and we are grateful for the inspiring words he shared with us and we thoroughly enjoyed the special occasion.”

Tickets for all matches cost R20 and can be bought online at Webtickets or at the ticket office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The second round of action takes place on Tuesday, 6 May, when New Zealand take on Argentina (14h00) and South Africa face Australia (16h10).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote praised the team for their fighting spirit and not letting their heads drop in their Rugby Championship U20 opening round victory over Argentina, after the South Americans led by 10 points shortly after half-time in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The SA U20s had to work very hard at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to start their campaign with a 36-25 victory over the Pumitas. The hosts were 20-15 down at the break and following a try by Argentina shortly after the restart, the visitors took a 10-point lead but the Junior Boks fought back with three converted tries without conceding another point to leave the 9,000-strong crowd very happy.

Afterwards, Foote praised his team’s resilience and leadership, acknowledging the initial nerves and the challenge of adapting to the slippery conditions.

“One of our biggest strengths is our leadership and after half-time, when they scored quickly, the guys didn’t drop their heads,” said Foote.

“The guys adapted really well after half-time and a lot of credit has to go to the leadership group and their ability to maintain confidence and belief, and go back to what we knew was going to work, playing a territory-based game and putting pressure on their opponents in their own half.”

The Junior Bok coach also said the crowd played a big part and expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the local support.

“The atmosphere was electric, with the fans deeply involved and backing the team,” said Foote.

“The warm welcome at the hotel and airport, complete with a marimba band, showcased the city’s hunger and passion for hosting big rugby events. So, we are grateful for the people of Gqeberha for the amazing support they gave to us.”

SA U20 captain Riley Norton, who was one of the try-scorers, echoed Foote’s sentiments, expressing his appreciation for the support in the stands: “The crowd played their part and we could hear them and hear their support for us. It was something special to play in such an atmosphere.”

Looking ahead to their next game against Australia on Tuesday, Foote identified a number of areas for improvement.

“Argentina are renowned for their defensive set piece and for us things perhaps did not go our way in the lineouts and scrums,” said Foote.

“However, when we got the ball over the 15m line, we mauled quite well to put them under pressure. I also though our team’s defensive efforts and their ability to scramble effectively during line breaks were impressive.”

Junior Bok No 8 Wandile Mlaba had a solid game and said the team prepared well coming into the tournament, learning from every training camp they had: “While it was not a perfect display, there were numerous positives to build on in the next game.”

The Junior Boks’ next assignment is against Australia on Tuesday, 6 May at the same venue, where the game will start at 16h10. The first game in the second round of action is between New Zealand and Argentina (14h00). Tickets are available online from Webtickets or at the stadium ticket office.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said on Wednesday the SA u20s are looking forward to meeting the physical challenge of Argentina when the two teams clash in the opening round of the u20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

The match in Gqeberha will kick off at 16h10 and will be televised live on SuperSport.

The 2025 U20 Rugby Championship is the second edition of the tournament, which was staged for the first time last year in Australia, with the best young players the Southern Hemisphere competing against each other over three rounds. New Zealand and Australia open the tournament in the first match of Thursday’s double-header at 14h00.

Speaking on the eve of the opening round clash with Argentina, Norton said they are expecting a physical challenge from the Argentina outfit, and that the meeting with the Pumitas will be a big challenge upfront.

“We pride ourselves on our set piece, and we really back our scrums and our maul, which is something all South Africans take pride in,” said Norton, adding that the SA U20s have exciting options at the back, and it would be the task of the forwards to lay a solid foundation for the backline.

“The pace we have in the backline is exhilarating. If the ball can go out wide, we have some exceptional players like Gino Cupido, who is tall, very quick, and can round defenders. So, our strengths boil down to two things: our set piece and our pace out wide, thanks to the talent of our outside backs.”

Cupido is equally at home on the wing and in midfield and recently made his debut for the Springbok Sevens team.

Meanwhile, Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote provided further insights on what to expect from the formidable Argentina selection.

“It always comes down to the scrum, lineout, and maul,” said Foote.

“We know they will be physical, and playing for their country is a significant opportunity for them since they don’t get to play many games. Heading into the World Rugby u20 Championship there will be a real hunger and desire from Argentina.

“They are very good when the ball gets loose, with exciting outside backs that are a real threat. We understand from our game management plan how we want to play; we aim to be direct and match their physicality and passion.”

Tickets for each match day costs R20 per person and are available from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) is proud to announce a landmark four-year partnership agreement with Hyundai Automotive South Africa, the popular automotive brand, as the new official vehicle of South Africa’s junior national teams and Youth Week rugby tournaments.

The exciting partnership will see Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s iconic logo appear for the first time on the playing shorts of South Africa’s Under-20 men’s in Rugby Championship U20 tournament which kicks off in Gqeberha on Thursday.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s rights also extend to all other junior men’s and women’s national teams, as well as securing associate partner rights for the country’s prestigious Youth Week tournaments – including the Under-16 and Under-18 events for both boys and girls.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hyundai Automotive South Africa to the SA Rugby family,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. “This partnership is a powerful endorsement of the strength and future of South African rugby, particularly at the grassroots and developmental levels.

“Hyundai’s support will play a crucial role in helping us nurture the next generation of Springboks and grow the game across all communities.”

The agreement is the first time the Korean car maker has partnered with SA Rugby and highlighted the company’s commitment to South Africa said Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

“We are proud to be driving the future of South African rugby,” said Jansen van Rensburg. “At Hyundai Automotive South Africa, we believe in the power of movement to inspire progress.

“Supporting youth rugby aligns perfectly with our values of innovation, resilience, and community development. As a family-centric motoring brand, we look forward to being part of the journeys of these exceptional young athletes over the coming years.”

Both parties plan to broaden and deepen the relationship over time with Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s involvement set to enhance the experience for thousands of young players participating in the annual Youth Week tournaments – a vital platform that has launched the careers of numerous South African rugby stars.

The sponsorship will also provide critical support for SA Rugby’s junior national teams as they prepare for international competition and represent the country on the world stage.

The Junior Springboks will run out carrying the Hyundai name for the first time at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 16h10 on Thursday in a match against Argentina Under-20s.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Former SA u18 lock and national age-group cricketer Riley Norton will captain the Junior Springboks against Argentina in the opening round of the Rugby Championship u20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday.

This clash, which kicks off at 16:10, is the second match of a double-header at the stadium. The encounter will be preceded by the game between the defending champions, New Zealand, and Australia, which will open the tournament at 14:00.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote has selected an exciting match-23 for the clash with the Pumitas, who gave their SA U20 counterparts a tough time last year in the inaugural tournament staged in Australia.

The Junior Bok starting fifteen includes the likes of Norton, Wandile Mlaba, a member of last year’s Junior Bok squad, and the 2024 SA Schools and SA u18 captain, Sethu Mnebelele, amongst the forwards.

The backs feature exciting players such as Blitzbok Gino Cupido and Cheswill Jooste on the wings and Kyle Smith at flyhalf. Utility forward Batho Hlekani and outside back JC Mars are amongst the replacements who are expected to make an impact off the bench.

Foote said his team had a good time preparing for the opening clash in the Friendly City.

“The weather is great, and our hosts have been fantastic, which has given us a lot of energy in our training,” said Foote.

“What stands out for me is the intent and joy of the players; the smiles on their faces tell me they are confident, excited, and see this opportunity to represent our country as a huge privilege.”

The Junior Bok coach added that the eagerness and competition amongst squad members made selection a tough exercise.

“Our squad selection for this first game was difficult because there are so many talented guys, which speaks volumes about our depth,” said Foote.

“We’ve decided on a more settled pack – there’s only one change in the pack from our last training match against Hamilton’s, with our captain, Riley Norto,n coming into the starting lineup after a slight injury.”

According to Foote this shows the forwards have momentum, and he mentioned the synergy they showed against Hamilton’s will give them a good platform upfront, while the backs also excite the coach.

“Amongst our backs, we have welcomed back Haashim Pead at scrumhalf with his experience,” said Foote. “Like Riley, he also had a niggle, which is why he didn’t play in the last training match. There’s also Gino, who comes into the squad after making his Blitzbok debut recently, and JC Mars is also included.”

Foote said they are aware of the huge challenge against the strong South American group: “We’ve done our homework and know what Argentina is going to bring to the game. We understand and respect their passion, and they are also looking forward to this opportunity to play for their country. We have a lot of respect for the Argentinians around their contact and set play, and we are looking forward to playing against them.

“Speaking on behalf of the players and the staff, we are proud to wear the Springbok on our hearts and represent this country. We are hoping for a great crowd and to play an exciting brand of rugby that represents South Africa,” added Foote.

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Junior Springboks team to face Argentina in Gqeberha:

15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Gino Cupido, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Thando Biyela, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Sethu Mnebelele, 1 Oliver Reid. Replacements: 16 Juandré Erasmus, 17 Ranon Fouché, 18 JD Erasmus, 19 Morné Visser, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 JC Mars.

Rugby Championship u20 Fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

Thursday, 1 May

14:00: New Zealand vs Australia

16:10: Junior Boks vs Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14:00: New Zealand vs Argentina

16:10: Junior Boks vs Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14:00: Argentina vs Australia

16:10: Junior Boks vs New Zealand

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks assembled in Gqeberha on Wednesday to begin their preparations for the Rugby Championship U20 and according to SA U20 coach Kevin Foote, they are happy to be in the Eastern Cape for the tournament, which kicks off next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,

This SANZAAR tournament consists of three exciting double-headers on the three match days – 1, 6 and 11 May – and features the best young talent from South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Following the SA u20s’ early morning arrival at their hotel, the players underwent their mandatory medical check-ups before their recovery session. After lunch they then had an afternoon field session on the outside field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Reflecting on the first day of training, Foote coach expressed his satisfaction with the team’s start in the Friendly City.

“When we arrived at the airport, having the dignitaries welcome us in such a warm and hospitable manner felt special and it’s a great honour,” said Foote.

“The marimba band playing with such great energy made it clear that people are very grateful to have rugby in the city at a national level.”

The Junior Bok coach highlighted the importance of clarity and alignment during the initial field session: “The big goal for us today was all about clarity and ensuring that the guys take what we learnt in those training camps (in Stellenbosch) and make sure that everybody’s aligned. We’re keeping things pretty simple, and we believe that our accountability piece will be important.”

According to Foote, the Junior Bok medical team have also played a crucial role in the preparations, ensuring that the players are fit and ready.

“The medical team have done a really good job, ensuring that the players are fit, and we’ve got 31 really keen players ready to go. Selection will be a challenge for us now, which is a good thing,” Foote said, emphasising the importance of maintaining clarity as they finalise preparation for the much-anticipated tournament.

“The main thing is making sure that the players are calm in their clarity so we can start to connect and establish that process into the championship.”

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Rugby Championship u20 fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

Thursday, 1 May

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named a competitive Junior Springbok squad consisting of 31 players for the 2025 edition of the Rugby Championship U20, which will be staged from 1 to 11 May at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Five capped Junior Boks are in the squad, including three who took part in last year’s inaugural Southern Hemisphere tournament in Australia, where the SA U20s finished second behind New Zealand.

Batho Hlekani (loose forward), Haashim Pead (scrumhalf), JC Mars (outside back) are the trio who will be returning for their second Rugby Championship, while the two other returning Junior Boks are Wandile Mlaba (loose forward) and Herman Lubbe (prop). Divan Fuller (flanker), who has also been capped by the Junior Boks, will miss the tournament through injury.

The naming of the 31-man Junior Bok squad is the culmination of a thorough preparation process, which started with two training camps at the end of last year, another training block after the festive break, a short tour to Georgia, followed by a third training period in preparation of the season.

Foote said there is excitement in the camp in the build-up to the keenly anticipated tournament in the Eastern Cape.

“The Rugby Championship is a great opportunity for our players to test their abilities against quality opposition from New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina and we are looking forward to the challenge to play quality opposition in front of our passionate Eastern Cape fans,” said Foote.

“We worked with 80 players during our various training camps, which gave us a fantastic opportunity to test and assess our depth.

“I believe we have selected a competitive Junior Bok squad, consisting of players who have really put up their hand during the camps. A few missed out due to injury while there are also a couple who were retained from last year.”

According to the Junior Bok mentor it was not an easy task to reduce the squad, and he commended the entire training group for their effort during the preparation blocks.

“The players all did their part, and I am pleased with their effort,” said Foote. “We could only announce a 31-man squad, but that doesn’t mean those players who will not play in Nelson Mandela Bay are out of the reckoning for the World Rugby U20 Championship.”

Foote added that they will monitor player progress in SA Rugby’s U21 Cup competition, which starts next month, and emphasised that the door is not closed at all considering there is still another training block to come after the Rugby Champs in the build-up towards the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

The Junior Bok squad will assemble next Tuesday in Gqeberha where they will fine tune preparations for the tournament.

Junior Springbok squad for the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha:

Props: Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), HB Odendaal (Fidelity ADT Lions).

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

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

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

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kyle Smith (DHL Western Province).

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

Outside backs: Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), JC Mars (DHL Western Province).

Rugby Championship U20 fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

 Thursday, 1 May

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

International rugby will return to the Eastern Cape next month when the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha plays host to this year’s edition of the Rugby Championship Under-20, SANZAAR confirmed on Wednesday.

The second edition of the southern hemisphere tournament will bring together the best young rugby stars from South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia, with double-headers taking place on 1, 6 and 11 May at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Last year’s inaugural Rugby Champs U20 on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia was a huge success. New Zealand edged out the Junior Boks for the title after finishing the tournament unbeaten, following up a draw with South Africa in the first round with subsequent victories over Argentina and Australia.

With the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in Italy in July, the Rugby Championship U20 will be the perfect springboard for the SANZAAR teams. The format remains the same, with all teams playing each other once in a three-match round robin across three match days.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole will be an excellent host for the second edition of the tournament.

“We are thrilled to bring this tournament to Gqeberha, a city with a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base and we are very grateful for the assistance from the Eastern Cape government in this regard,” said Oberholzer.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium offers top-class team facilities and an exceptional viewing experience for fans, making it the perfect venue for this event.

“The combination of top-notch facilities and accommodation, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the Eastern Cape government and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, will undoubtedly create a memorable experience for everyone involved. Together with the Friendly City, we are looking forward to welcoming and hosting the best U20s from the southern hemisphere in the Eastern Cape.”

The MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Ms Sibulele Ngongo, expressed her gratitude to SA Rugby for their partnership in bringing the Rugby Championship U20 Tournament to the Eastern Cape.

“This is a landmark moment for the Home of Legends as the Junior Springboks will be playing for the first time in history in the Eastern Cape Province”, said MEC Ngongo.

SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said: “Following the success of the inaugural tournament in Queensland, Australia in 2024 SANZAAR is pleased to announce that the U20 Championship will head to South Africa this year. Last year the title went down to the last round and we witnessed some very competitive and absorbing rugby.

“This important Championship, to be played at the Nelson Mandela May Stadium in Gqeberha, will not only provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition but will also provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials.

“SANZAAR sincerely thanks SA Rugby, that has an excellent reputation for hosting such events, for its support of the Championship, and especially to the Eastern Cape Government who are providing invaluable assistance with the staging of the tournament.”

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the U20 Rugby Championship will be hosted on home soil this year. It’s a rare and special opportunity for the Junior Boks to play in front of our passionate home fans here in South Africa and this tournament is crucial for our preparations ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

“We look forward to testing ourselves against the best young rugby players in the southern hemisphere and we hope the Eastern Cape fans will come out in numbers to support us.”

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets. Broadcast information will be announced in due course.

Fixtures:

Thursday, 1 May

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Junior Springboks were handed a tough group assignment for this year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which will take place from 29 June to 19 July in Italy.

The Junior Boks are ranked seventh for the global event and were drawn in a strong Pool A along with last year’s champions, England, as well as Australia and Scotland.

“It is very exciting news and will be a great opportunity for us to play in Italy during the (European) summer months,” said Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote.

Foote described their pool as “very competitive” and added the Junior Boks know they will have to be very good if they want to top the pool and progress to the knockout stages.

“England and Scotland would have had great preparations through the U20 Six Nations, while Australia will no doubt be using the u20 Rugby Championship to gear up for Italy.

“It is a very competitive pool; we are excited for the challenge and will be well-prepared.”

Italy is set to host the prestigious tournament – in four cities across the Lombardia and Veneto regions – featuring the 12 best Under-20 teams in the world, for a third time. It will be the first time in 10 years that the event returns to Italian soil since New Zealand beat England in the 2015 title decider in Cremona. The first time the tournament was staged in Italy was in 2011, when Padova was the host city.

The Junior Boks will return to the same region where they won the 2022 u20 Summer Series, when South Africa – featuring amongst other the likes of Sacha Mngomezulu-Feinberg, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Cameron Hanekom and Ruan Venter – won the competition as an invited side along with the Six Nations teams and Georgia.

The 15^th edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship will be staged in Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona and Viadana. They are set to host matches across the three rounds of pool matches on 29 June, 4 and 9 July.

The knockout stages kick off on 14 July with finals day taking place on 19 July to determine the final placings of the 12 teams, with the Stadio Maria Battaglini in Rovigo to host the final. Kick-off times are still to be finalised, and the full match schedule will be confirmed in due course.

England are the defending champions, having beaten three-time winners France 21-13 in the 2024 final in Cape Town, while Scotland will return to the U20 Championship for the first time since 2019 after winning last year’s U20 Trophy on home soil.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The World Rugby U20 Championship represents the pinnacle of age-grade rugby, showcasing the next generation of international stars before they reach the highest level.

“We are delighted to bring back this thrilling competition to Italy, a nation with a deep passion for the sport and a proven track record of hosting world-class events.

“This 15^th edition will not only provide an incredible platform for young talent to shine but will also capture the imagination of fans and we look forward to working with our friends at Federazione Italiana Rugby to leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Italy.”

The Junior Boks will resume their training from 20 March in Stellenbosch, the first time they will re-assemble after their recent successful tour of Georgia, where they managed to beat Georgia U20 twice in a series that was played in extremely cold conditions.

World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2025:

Date: 29 June-19 July

Stadiums: Stadio San Michele (Calvisano), Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo), Payanini Center (Verona), Stadio Luigi Zaffanella (Viadana).

Pools:

Pool A: England (1), Australia (6), South Africa (7), Scotland (12)

Pool B: France (2), Argentina (5), Wales (8), Spain (11)

Pool C: New Zealand (3), Ireland (4), Georgia (9), Italy (10)

Pool matches:

Match day 1: Sunday, 29 June (Calvisano and Verona)

Match day 2: Friday, 4 July (Rovigo and Viadana)

Match day 3: Wednesday, 9 July (Calvisano and Verona)

Playoffs:

Match day 4: Monday, 14 July (Verona and Viadana)

Match day 5 (final and ranking matches): Saturday, 19 July (Calvisano and Rovigo)

For more information, visit www.world.rugby/tournaments/u20/championship/2025

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made a raft of rotational changes for the SA u20 side’s second clash with Georgia u20 on Friday in Tbilisi. Riley Norton will lead the South African team in their final tour fixture, which kicks off at 15:00 (SA time).

When the sides met on Sunday, the Junior Boks showed character and determination to stage a successful comeback and record a 38-29 victory in severely cold conditions.

Norton’s inclusion is one of six changes to the pack, and he forms a new lock combination with Morné Venter, with Heinrich Theron moving to the bench. The 19-year-old Norton, a product of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, made both the SA Schools rugby and cricket teams while at school.

Foote has rotated the front row, which will now feature Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Jean Erasmus.

Only flank Divan Fuller gets a second start among the loose forwards. He’ll be joined in the loose trio by fellow flank, Thando Biyela, and eighthman, Fano Linde.

The versatile Dominic Malgas moves from outside centre to flyhalf in one of three tweaks to the backline. He’ll form a new-look halfback combination with Haashim Pead. Scott Nel takes over at outside centre and will partner the strong running Pieter van der Merwe in midfield.

“Last week was a great team effort in difficult conditions against a determined home team, who used the conditions and made us work hard to adapt, which we did successfully in the end,” Foote reflected on the first meeting of the teams.

“We are expecting another physical battle against Georgia. However, we are looking forward to building on our performance and trying out some more combinations, which is the reason for our rotational changes.”

The SA u20 coach said he is pleased with how the players have embraced the challenge to adapt to the unfamiliar local conditions, which have seen them train and play in almost sub-zero temperatures after preparing in summer conditions back home in Stellenbosch.

“This match is another great opportunity for us to continue to grow together as a squad, to implement our game plan, and to gauge our progress,” he said.

“Our preparations have been going very well and it is pleasing to see the growth of the group. Everyone knows the importance of a good performance and what it means for our country, so we are grateful for the opportunity to again represent South Africa and are looking forward to Friday’s challenge.”

Junior Springbok team to face Georgia

15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Scott Nel, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Chijindu Okonta, 10 Dominic Malgas, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Fano Linde, 7 Thando Biyela, 6 Divan Fuller, 5 Morné Venter, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese. Replacements: 16 Ranon Fouché, 17 HB Odendaal, 18 Tebogo Nkosi, 19 Heinrich Theron, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Yabo Ndzamela, 22 Ceano Everson, 23 JT Kapank.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications