Author: saru

SA Rugby has revamped its professional junior rugby pathways with the creation of a new Under-23 competition to ensure emerging players are optimally prepared for senior rugby.

The change was approved at a Special General Council meeting of SA Rugby on Wednesday, following a thorough review of the playing calendar, to provide additional opportunities for game time at an important developmental stage of playing careers.

The new SA Rugby Under-23 Cup competition will kick off next month for the four Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises. The Under-19 competition has been discontinued, while the SA Rugby U20 Cup will return to the local schedule for the first time since 2023, replacing the SA Rugby U21 Cup (“first division”) competition. The U21 Shield competition (“second division”) remains unchanged.

The changes were made to ensure a better pipeline for players coming out of school and into the junior ranks, before progressing to senior rugby, said Dave Wessels, General Manager of SA Rugby’s High-Performance Department.

“We’ve seen the brilliant work done by our schoolboy coaches, and as a result, our U18 teams have been in dominant form for some years, but that didn’t translate into success at U20 level,” said Wessels.

“Something was amiss between U18 and U20 level, with other countries somehow overtaking us, and after a thorough review, we realised this age group needs more competitive game time.

“Some of our Junior Bok players were playing as little as 10 games in the two years after school, which was much fewer than they were used to at school level – not an ideal preparation environment. Ultimately, playing the game is the best teacher.”

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said the previous schedule was devised during the days of Super Rugby, and that there was an overlap in the U19, U21 and Carling Currie Cup competitions, which meant good young players who could feature in all three competitions were limited to playing only one of them.

With the Junior Springbok training camps and the FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns providing opportunities for U20 players early in the year, they will be able to build on that in the U20 Cup in the latter half of the season.

“By bringing in the new U23 competition, we hope to give the younger contracted players at our Vodacom URC franchises consistent rugby early in the year, so they are ready if they are needed at senior level,” said Oberholzer.

“We should also look at ways to give our other unions the opportunity to recruit and develop talented players – so no one is lost to the system.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that U23 players get as much quality game time as possible, and we will assist where we can if there are requests for these players to join provincial unions on loan from international franchises, for instance, to play in the Currie Cup.”

SA Rugby provincial age-group competitions

SA Rugby Under-23 Cup

Participating teams: Vodacom Bulls, Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers

Opening round: 21 March (double round of matches with a final)

Final: 16 May

 

SA Rugby Under-20 Cup

Participating teams: Vodacom Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs, Golden Lions, Leopards, Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Western Province

Opening round: 16 May (double round of matches with two semi-finals and a final)

Final: 24 October

 

SA Rugby Under-21 Shield

Participating teams: Southern Section – Sanlam Boland, Border, Eastern Province, SWD Eagles; Northern Section – Griffons, Suzuki Griquas, Limpopo Blue Bulls, Airlink Pumas, Valke

Opening round: 22 August. Northern Section – single round, semi-finals and final; Southern Section – double round, semi-final and final (Sanlam Boland, Border, Eastern Province, SWD)

Final: 10 October (between the winners of the two sections)

 

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named an exciting 31-man squad to travel to Tbilisi for a three-match tour of Georgia later this month, with four members from last year’s Junior Springbok squad selected for the trip.

The SA Rugby u20 squad is scheduled to leave for Georgia on Sunday, 15 February and will return home on 28 February following the completion of three matches, two of which will be internationals against the hosts.

The selection follows an intensive three-week preparation camp in Stellenbosch, which concluded last Friday. The camp included high-tempo training matches against two FNB Varsity Cup sides, Maties and UCT.

For the second tour to Georgia in as many years, the selectors have picked a squad featuring a blend of continuity and fresh talent. The group includes a quartet of players from the 2025 World Rugby u20 Championship-winning side, alongside a promising crop of players from last year’s undefeated SA u18 campaign.

The returning stalwarts are loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, and lock Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to the world title in Italy last year.

In finalising the squad, the Junior Boks have continued their strategy of building squad depth and prioritizing the future pathway; hence the inclusion of several players who remain eligible for 2027 selection, among them Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, and Luan Giliomee, who made his Blitzboks debut in Singapore before helping the Springbok Sevens to claim the HSBC SVNS Perth title.

Reflecting on the camp and the composition of the group, Foote said he was pleased with the outcomes of the latest training block.

“We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” he said.

Foote noted that the training matches and the forthcoming fixtures in Georgia would set the foundation for the 2026 Junior Bok journey, which culminates in the defence of their world crown in June and July, also in Georgia.

“Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” said Foote.

“We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.

“They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”

The Junior Bok coach also emphasised the long-term vision: “We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby. This tour is a vital step in that regard.”

In addition to the physical challenge on the field, the South Africans will have to adapt to extreme weather, with sub-zero temperatures and snow predicted during their stay in Tbilisi.

Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre), and Alzeadon Felix (fullback) were not considered for selection after picking up niggles in camp, while Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) continues his rehabilitation. They will remain in South Africa to focus on their recovery, aiming to be available for the forthcoming u20 Rugby Championship in April and May.

Speedy wing Cheswill Jooste, like Moyo a member of the “Class of 2025“, is currently on Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty with the Vodacom Bulls and is expected to join the squad later in the season.

Foote admitted that narrowing down the squad was difficult: “The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party. Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship.”

Junior Springbok squad for Georgia

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Loose Forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).

Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).

Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).

Outside Backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).

SA U20 tour fixtures (all matches to be played in Tbilisi, Georgia)

Wednesday, 18 February

SA u20 vs Lelo Saracens

Sunday, 22 February

SA u20 vs Georgia u20

Friday, 27 February

SA u20 vs Georgia u20

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has underlined the importance of mental freshness and a strong technical foundation as he prepares to welcome a 42-man training squad to Stellenbosch on Wednesday, with a number of last year’s SA u18 players invited to the camp.

The camp marks a major step in the SA u20s’ campaign for 2026, with the squad featuring a strategic mix of battle-hardened regulars and exciting talent graduating from the successful SA u18s, while 13 players who toured France and Ireland towards the end of last year with the SA u19s, will return to Stellenbosch.

Foote said a significant focus of the selection process was managing the workload of the younger contingent. The Junior Bok coach explained that several players were not selected for the European tour last November to allow them to recover from a taxing year that included Grade 12 exams, their school programmes, the FNB u18 Craven Week and the U18 International Series.

“Bringing them in fresh is a big positive for us. They are training hard with the unions, and we’re expecting them to do really well,” said Foote.

“I believe it isn’t a lack of talent for us; it’s about making sure we get the foundation of the culture and the environment right for these young men to excel.”

The new players invited to the camp include Kai Pratt and JG Badenhorst (props), AJ Meyer (lock), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera and Gert Kemp (loose forwards), Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf), Markus Muller and Ethan Adams (centres), as well as the speedy Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).

While the squad has been bolstered by last year’s u18 stars, some familiar players return, including last year’s Junior Bok captain Riley Norton and his fellow 2025 Junior World Championship winners Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Alzeadon Felix.

Flyhalf Vusi Moyo, another member of last year’s successful Junior Bok side, is not part of the squad because he is busy with rehabilitation following a minor hip operation to ensure he is ready for the forthcoming international season.

Wing Cheswill Jooste is another 2025 Junior Bok stalwart who remains firmly in the selection mix but he will instead continue his duties with the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, while utility back Luan Giliomee is currently part of the Springbok Sevens programme.

Foote explained the forthcoming camp will serve as a high-intensity training and technical preparation block, with a focus on sharpening the traditional Junior Bok DNA elements – set-piece dominance, kicking game, solid defence and attacking flair, in addition to getting to grips with their game model.

“We go pretty hard at our DNA, and we want to make sure we put a good set-piece platform together,” said Foote. “The focus is also on game management – understanding which parts of the field we want to play in and maintaining a high tempo.”

The squad will undertake a short tour of three matches to Georgia, leaving on 15 February and returning on 28 February. In preparation for the tour, the camp schedule includes training matches against the FNB Varsity Cup sides UCT and Maties.

“These sessions are vital preparation for a challenging tour to Georgia, where the squad will face extreme conditions, including training and playing in temperatures below freezing,” said Foote.

“The Georgian tour will test us with regards to the conditions and the culture, but it’s a great opportunity to focus on what we can control. We want to focus on our team combinations, understanding our culture, and creating those moments together that you can reflect on when hard times come.”

Junior Bok squad for Stellenbosch training camp

Forwards (25)

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Ruan Smuts (Toyota Cheetahs), JG Badenhorst (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), JP Lombaard (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province,) JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions), AJ Meyer (DHL Western Province).

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Alutha Wesi (DHL Western Province), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Franko Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Western Province), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).

Backs (16)

Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Denilo Jordaan (Durban Varsity College).

Flyhalf: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Centres: Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province), Markus Muller (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Fidelity ADT Lions), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Reinhardt Viljoen (Fidelity ADT Lions), Aidan Bester (Saldanha RFC).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SA Rugby confirmed on Friday that former Springbok lock Barend Pieterse had been appointed as a lineout and breakdown consultant to the Junior Springbok team for three years.

The 46-year-old Pieterse, who appeared for the Lions, Cheetahs, and Eastern Province in his playing days, fills the role previously taken by Johann Ackermann and will provide support to Junior Bok forwards’ coach Lumumba Currie.

Pieterse played one match for the Springboks, against the Barbarians in 2007. He joins from the Lions, where he was employed as a forwards coach. In 2023, he travelled with Namibia to the Rugby World Cup in France as an assistant coach.

“Barend comes highly rated, as well as having previously worked with many of the staff in the Junior Springbok system, so there is a natural fit,” said Dave Wessels, General Manager, High Performance at SA Rugby.

“Ackers (Johan Ackermann) provided valuable expertise in 2025, and we’re sure that Barend will provide the same in 2026.”

Pieterse will join the Junior Boks’ training squad in camp in Stellenbosch in the new year as they begin their 2026 campaign.

The squad travels to snowy Georgia in February for a series of matches before SANZAAR‘s u20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, in April and May.

The team will defend their World Rugby u20 Championship title in Georgia in June and July.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SA Rugby announced on Wednesday that STADIO Higher Education has joined its family of sponsors as the first official higher education partner to the governing body and South Africa’s national teams.

The partnership marks a significant step in supporting the holistic development of South African rugby players by supporting their educational and development initiatives across all SA Rugby national teams (Springboks, Springbok Women, Springbok Sevens, Springbok Women’s Sevens, Junior Springboks and SA age-group teams).

The partnership was celebrated at the new STADIO Durbanville campus on Wednesday, with a host of Springbok players in attendance, including Damian De Allende, Frans Malherbe, and Rights Mkhari, as well as senior management across both organisations.

Two Springboks, Damian Willemse and Zachary Porthen, are current STADIO students and sent videos of support for the partnership announcement.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “Our ambition has always extended beyond performance on the pitch, and this ground-breaking deal proves it.

“It is extremely important for us to ensure players are well-rounded, with career options beyond rugby. Having a partner like STADIO, one that commits to both sport and education, is crucial, and strengthens our ability to provide meaningful opportunities for all players.”

The partnership also reflects a strategic alignment between two brands aiming to make a positive impact on the country. By leveraging the combined power of sport and education, STADIO and SA Rugby are working together to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field, supporting their well-rounded growth and development.

“We’re honoured to extend our support of South African rugby and invest in the future of our nation,” said Chris Vorster, CEO of STADIO Holdings.

“At STADIO, our distance learning is specifically designed to assist top athletes and working people to obtain qualifications, whilst pursuing other initiatives. We see how sport fosters resilience and unity, and we can all attest to the positive impact that the Springboks have had on nation-building.

“We believe that supporting these individuals to obtain a degree will also have a big impact, not just for the individual players, but for their families, their communities and those who aspire to be like these heroes, too.”

Creating a Legacy Through Education

STADIO Holdings continues to widen access to quality and relevant higher education qualifications across southern Africa through its esteemed institutions: STADIO Higher Education, Milpark Education, and AFDA.

“Students can choose between distance learning and contact learning modes of learning delivery, and we’ve had several high-profile rugby players choosing to study with STADIO,” added Vorster.

“The flexibility of distance learning offers rugby players the chance to fit their studies in around their training, their matches and their touring schedules. We are super proud of Damian Willemse, Zachery Porthen, our many Vodacom URC players and our u20 players, who are currently studying with us.

“We believe you can be a hero both on the field and off the field, and we look to support these players to be able to pursue careers outside of rugby when their playing days are over.”

About STADIO Holdings

STADIO Holdings is a company listed on the JSE. The group is committed to transforming South Africa by improving access to post-school learning opportunities for school-leavers and adults by serving the needs of the higher education market through its three prestigious institutions, STADIO, Milpark and AFDA.

From 2026, the Group will offer in excess of 100 accredited qualifications, ranging from higher certificates, degrees and postgraduate degrees (including masters’ and doctorates).

The Group currently serves over 50 000 students across the country and is on track to achieve its goal of accommodating 56 000 students by 2026. STADIO Holdings has set a target of accommodating 80 000 students by 2030.

Students benefit from a combination of contact, distance, and blended learning.

Through its comprehensive learning offering, exceptional teaching, and the continuous development of relevant, forward-thinking courses aligned with student needs, societal demands, and the evolving world of work, STADIO Holdings provides an ideal foundation for academic success.

 Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SA Rugby has standardised the age at which tackling is permitted for young players. It will result in children in the u5 to u8 age groups participating exclusively in non-contact forms of the game, such as TAG and Touch Rugby.

Full contact and tackle rugby will start in the u9 age group, following a structured and standardised “Confidence and Safety in Contact” programme, which will be introduced during the second half of the u8 season to build foundational skills, such as falling, rolling, wrestling, and absorbing contact, as well as forming part of a six-week pre-season readiness block before the start of the u9 rugby programme.

“South Africa is currently the only major rugby nation without a clearly defined age at which children may begin tackling,” said Clint Readhead, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Medical Department.

“With more than 400 000 primary school players – one of the largest youth rugby bases in the world – this gap has created inconsistency, safety risks, and confusion across provinces, schools, clubs, and academies.

“The support from Exco for the proposal marks a decisive step towards ensuring player safety, protecting development pathways, and establishing a uniform national framework.”

This framework aligns with international best practice and models unions such as the Blue Bulls, who have already implemented the strategy. This approach has demonstrated that delaying tackling, while prioritising fun and fundamental skills’ development, enhances safety and encourages young players to stay in the game and long-term player performance.

The proposal was developed by a special SA Rugby task team, established in 2024, with a mandate to determine the safest, developmentally appropriate point at which South African children should begin tackling.

“We are excited to finally have a tackle age aligned across the rugby ecosystem in South Africa,” said Ian Schwartz, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Participation and Development Department.

“It will be enforced system-wide – schools, clubs, associate members, and non-affiliated rugby organisations working with youth. Ultimately, it’s about Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) and player safety: preparing young players for contact to prevent injuries, retain passion, and build a sustainable rugby pathway.”

Noël Ingle, whose term as Chairperson of the SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) recently came to an end, welcomed the introduction of a standardised tackle age and structured introductory programme focussing on confidence and safety in contact.

“The Task Team drew on medical and scientific expertise, comparative research, international benchmarks, and broad stakeholder consultation, including extensive surveys among primary school coaches,” said Ingle.

“Survey results showed overwhelming support for a standardised national approach, with 91 percent of respondents calling for clear guidelines on introducing contact and 65 percent endorsing the establishment of a minimum tackle age.”

The proposal also mandates enhanced coach education, requiring all primary school and youth coaches to complete a suite of World Rugby and BokSmart online certifications, including Tackle Ready, Breakdown Ready, and Tackle Height Change Education. All supporting materials will be made available on the SA Rugby website in 2026.

Compulsory implementation of the standard tackle age across all youth rugby and amateur rugby structures will commence in 2026.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

A group of 53 players from 34 high schools in 12 different provincial unions have been invited to SA Rugby’s u18 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp for girls, after which the squad will be trimmed down to 26 players that will prepare for two matches against an u18 team from The Netherlands.

The ground-breaking development was confirmed by SA Rugby on Monday. The camp will run from 29 November until 6 December at the Delsma Sports Farm, in Riebeek Kasteel, after which the smaller squad will move to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) for their matches against the touring team from The Netherlands, scheduled for 12 and 17 December.

It will be the first time that a South African u18 Girls’ team takes the field in an international match when they line up against the visitors from Europe, with a number of up-and-coming coaches appointed to take charge of the SA team during their two-match series.

Former Springbok speedster Jongi Nokwe, from Western Province, will be the head coach, and he will be assisted by Aneesah Adams (Maties, WP), Claudia Francke (Sol Plaatje, Griquas), and Lesego Malebadi (UJ, Lions).

Former SA Schools and u18 coaches, Katleho Lynch and Sean Erasmus, as well as Paetro Somerset will take charge of the EPD camp, while Springbok Women assistant coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt, as well as Nokwe, Adams, Francke and Malebadi will also be involved.

The squad was selected and finalised after the FNB u18 Girls’ Weeks in Johannesburg earlier this year and follows on a successful similar exercise for u16 girls, which was held in Paarl during the October school break.

“Apart from the fact that this camp and the subsequent games provide a superb opportunity for our girls on the cusp of senior rugby, it’s also shifting boundaries in the women’s game in South Africa,” said Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Development.

“With the EPD camp progressing into fully-fledged match weeks, our Participation and Development, and High-Performance Departments are working hand-in-hand on the pathway for girls.”

Louis Koen, Senior Talent Manager in the High-Performance Department, added: “We are also planning to hold a camp for u19 women’s players, and the aim is that the players from these two groups will progress into the Junior Springbok Women squad next year, with a number of matches planned.

“One of the things we’ve realised we need to improve on in the women’s game is opportunities at age-group level. Along with the FNB Girls’ Weeks, the u16 EPD camp held in October, and these activities planned for the next few weeks, we are actively addressing that and we believe it will not only create a better pathway for our women’s players, but that ultimately, the Springbok Women and Bok Women’s Sevens teams will also benefit.

“The appointments of Jongi, Aneesah, Claudia and Lesego to coach the side in their two matches next month, with a number of experienced coaches providing support, emphasises SA Rugby’s investment strategy into women’s rugby not only at a playing level, but also for coaches.”

SA Rugby’s U18 Girls EPD squad

Props: Ambesiwe Pontshi (Border, Bhongolethu HS), Katlego Bamote (Lions, Queens HS), Vuyiswa Gwenya (Pumas, Witbank HS), Isipho Dungelo (WP, Sophumelela HS), Ayabulela Valivali (EP, EZ Khabane HS), Likhona Masiza (WP, Sophumelela HS), Amahle Plaatjies (EP, Ndzondelelo HS), Oratlwe Baloyi (Bulls, Ramabele HS).

Hookers: Felicia Magagula (Pumas, Lowveld HS), Keesha Cloete (Boland, Klein Neiderburg SS), Marchelle Cedras (SWD, George HS), Ayabonga Ngema (Sharks, James Nxumalo HS), Orie Masizana (EP, Motherwell HS).

Locks: Mivuyo Pawuli (WP, Intlanganiso HS), Buhle Mxoli (Border, Siseko HS), Nokulinda Makhubela (Pumas, Hlume SS), Lebogang Tefo (Limpopo, Kgabo SS), Emihle Matyila (Border, Tsholomnqa HS), Beyoncé Muhlari (Limpopo, Hudson Tsani SS), Isekho Mhlontlo (WP, Hector Peterson HS), Sinelizwi Rasmeni (WP).

Loose forwards: Asive Iva Gaqa (WP, Ned Doman HS), Novuyo Ntombela (Sharks, ML Sultan HS), Luthando Mxokozeni (Border, Tsholomnqa HS), Ambesiwe Somsila (EP, EZ Kabane HS), Akeelah Rosetta Mei (SWD, Grootbrak HS), Miche Taylor Mars (Boland, Klein Nederburg SS), Hlekane Baloyi (Bulls, Ramabele SS), Palesa Matte (WP, Hector Peterson HS), Lindokuhle Nxawe (Border, Thubalethu HS), Chuma Lisa Isaac (EP, Motherwell HS).

Scrumhalves: Kaitlin Tronskie (Bulls, HS Garsfontein), Likona Dyani (EP, Motherwell HS), Danica Pypers (WP, Bellville South THS), Terenice Kriel (Griquas, HS Loeriesfontein).

Flyhalves: Nuha Levy (WP, St Cyprians HS), Catherine Stacey (Lions, home schooled), Nadelean Leeuskiter (EP, Humansdorp HS), Zusiphe Mthembu (Sharks, Sarel Cilliers HS).

Centres: Endinalo Fihla (WP, Usasazo HS), Julene Hass (EP, Arcadia HS), Nailha Jansen (SWD, George HS), Charmaine Marutla (Bulls, Patheng SS), Thato Mary Rantai (Griffons, Welkom SS), Jessie Schoeman (WP, HS DF Malan).

Outside backs: Kaline Motloung (Pumas, Witbank HS), Mpho Mxhanywa (Lions, Malboro Gardens HS), Anothando Mbada (EP, Motherwell HS), Nondumiso Molusi (Lions, Mokgome HS), Tamryn Booysen (WP, Tygerberg HS), Lukhanye Lolo (EP, Douglas Mbopa HS), Shanice Scholtz (EP, Middellande SS), Anita Fazi (WP, Langa HS).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

A total of 13 players from the various SA Schools squads named earlier this year have been included in a group of 53 to attend SA Rugby‘s u17 Boys Elite Player Development (EPD) camp in the Western Cape.

The camp will run from Saturday, 29 November to Saturday, 6 December, and will be hosted at Hoër Landbouskool Boland, near Paarl.

Diaan Augustyn, Lwandile Mlaba, Jacobus de Villiers, Nathan Aneke, Thabiso Simelane, and Lamla Mgedezi all featured for the SA Schools team, while the SA Schools A representatives amongst the camp invitees are Juvan Burden, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Mickyle Booise, Ethan van Biljon, Erin Nelson, Lucritia Magau, and Ncuthu Kepe.

The technical aspects of the camp will be driven by the SA Schools and A team coaches, Lwazi Zangqa, Cobus van Dyk, Flash Malinga, and Clinton van Rensburg, while the Junior Springbok coaching team are also expected to attend certain sessions.

“The u17 camp will see continuation of the functional and positional skills started during the players’ u16 year,” said Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Development.

“However, this camp will also have a strong focus on the implementation of the game model that will be utilised during the SA Schools and SA u18 programmes, and beyond for these players, while mental conditioning will also be a focus area.”

SA Rugby U17 Boys Elite Player Development squad

Props: Zeake Mata (Border, Queens College), Clement Makelele (Sharks, Kearsney College), Matthew Prins (SWD, Oakdale), Makomborero Mandhihza (Lions, St John’s), Aphelele Chamane (Sharks, Michaelhouse), Nicolas Salamousas (Sharks, Michaelhouse), Lehan Barnard (WP, Paul Roos Gymnasium), Stephan Jansen van Rensburg (Limpopo Bulls, HS Pietersburg).

Hookers: Adrian Smith (SWD, Oakdale), Charl Els (Bulls, Affies), Charles Whitehead (WP, Paarl Gimnasium).

Locks: Diaan Augustyn (SWD, Oakdale), Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks, Westville Boys’ High), Martin van Niekerk (Bulls, Affies), Juvan Burden (WP, Stellenberg), Jean Dreyer (WP, Paarl Gimnasium), Sambesiwe Ndamase (Sharks, Glenwood).

Loose forwards: Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Sharks, Kearsney College), Queenton Mcube (Bulls, Pretoria Boys High), Mihle Dyakala (Lions, Jeppe), Zay-Winn Januarie (WP, HS Durbanville), Hendrik van Zyl (WP, Paarl Gimnasium), Zander Muller (Sharks, Hilton College), Bulelani Cebani (Sharks, DHS), Jacobus de Villiers (SWD, Oakdale), Jamie Wimble (Sharks, Northwood).

Scrumhalves: Liam de Villiers (WP, Paarl Boys’ High), Mickyle Booise (WP, Paarl Gimnasium), Luke Doyle (EP, Graeme College), Caleb Bell (WP, Rondebosch Boys’ High).

Flyhalves: Ethan van Biljon (WP, HS Stellenberg), Anthony Jaydon Viljoen (Lions, Monument), Travis Pheiffer (WP, Paul Roos Gymnasium), Achmat Behardien (WP, Wynberg Boys’ High), Louis Koen (WP, Paarl Gimnasium).

Centres: Dylan Stumke (Bulls, HS Menlopark), O’Ryan Kleyn (Cheetahs, Grey College), Ethan Barker (WP, Paarl Gimnasium), Olwethu Kosani (Sharks, Maritzburg College), Nathan Aneke (Sharks, DHS), Phano Letsie (Lions, Jeppe), Erin Nelson (EP, Graeme College), Tiaan Basson (WP, Paul Roos Gymnasium).

Outside backs: Ncuthu Kepe (Border, Queen’s College), Lucritia Magau (EP, Graeme College), Mendriano Abrahams (Bulls, HS Menlopark), Thabiso Simelane (Bulls, St Alban’s College), Tylo Hess (WP, HS Durbanville), Rhandzu Mkhabela (Pumas, HS Nelspruit), Drewyn Baron (Bulls, HS Garsfontein), Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs, Grey College), Lwazi Mbebe (Sharks, Kearsney College), Luxolo Sonkononkono (Sharks, Westville Boys’ High).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton both lauded the fighting spirit of the SA U19 Academy team, who beat Ireland in their last tour match in Cork on Friday evening.

The team’s character was truly tested in their final tour match in Ireland, where they played in freezing cold, wet, and windy conditions marked by sweeping rain.

Despite the atrocious weather, the SA U19s demonstrated remarkable grit and executed a strong, forward-dominated performance to secure an impressive 32-22 victory, finishing the tour on a massive high.

After the game, Foote praised the resilience of fighting character of the touring squad, who delivered an assured performance in very difficult winter northern hemisphere conditions.

“That was just a brave performance from our young men, I thought they showed tremendous character in seriously harsh conditions,” said Foote.

“Their attitude all week, since we left France, has been nothing short of excellent. We simply accepted the weather and focused on what we could control.”

The Junior Bok head coach, who made wholesale rotational changes to the side that went down to France the previous week, was especially pleased with the role of the team leadership in the build-up to the game and during the match.

“Our leadership was outstanding,” he said. “Led by Riley Norton and Esethu Mnebelele, and Vusi Moyo really stood up nicely in the backs, while another leader, ‘Rambo’ Kubheka, made a huge impact off the bench.

“Our senior players inducted the new guys brilliantly, and honestly, spending time with this group has been special.”

Foote once more emphasised the importance of the European tour in the overall preparations of the South African Under-20 programme: “We’re very grateful to France and Ireland for making these matches possible, and of course to Dave Wessels and the SA Rugby administration back home for getting this done.

“This block is hugely important for our journey as a new group – touring two countries and playing in these challenging conditions is exactly what we needed.

“Our pack once more stood up, and the backs are really starting to find cohesion. We came here looking for those connections, and we saw them on Friday evening. The boys have bonded well, and we’ll all watch the Springboks (against Italy) play today as a team exercise, before heading home on Sunday after what’s been a very good tour experience.

“I’m excited and looking forward to working with this group and staff. The growth they’ve shown since we first started three weeks ago in Stellenbosch has been exceptional,” added the Junior Bok coach.

Part of the team shuffle for the Irish game saw Norton moved from his usual lock position to blindside flanker, and the Junior Bok captain led from the front in a dominant pack, also stealing crucial lineout possession from the Irish to pile on the pressure.

The SA forwards scored three tries, while they were also awarded a penalty try in the second half when Ireland illegally stopped the goal-bound lineout maul.

“That was probably the toughest match I’ve ever played, weather-wise,” said Norton.

“The wind and rain were relentless, but we knew we had to embrace those conditions. We spoke all week about showing that typical South African strength and determination.

“Our forwards were unbelievable, that maul was unstoppable, we won the physical battle, and we were brave in defence – all of which were key to securing the win.”

Norton said the French result sharpened their focus and increased their determination: “Against Ireland, there was a different energy and absolute commitment to the physical breakdown. We learned to confront the pressure head-on, and to bounce back like that truly shows the heart of this team.

“This tour has been huge for our growth as a new group. This victory against a very good Ireland side, in that kind of weather and in front of their passionate home crowd, gives us massive belief. We’re pleased we could turn things around and are returning home knowing we’ve put down a very good marker.”

The SA U19s fly home on Sunday evening from Dublin and will arrive early Monday morning in Johannesburg, from where the squad members will travel to their home destinations.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has made wholesale rotational changes to the SA u19 Academy matchday squad for Friday’s clash with Ireland u19 in Cork.

The match – the SA u19s’ final encounter of their two-week European tour – kicks off at 19:30 (21:30 SA time) at Virgin Media Park, the Cork home of Irish giants, Munster, with a capacity of 8000 and an artificial 3G pitch.

In an effort to give every player in the touring squad game time, Foote has made four changes to the starting pack, another five tweaks to the backline, and a further six changes among the replacements.

In the only tweak to the tight five that performed so well against a well-drilled France u19 side last week in Chateauroux, Foote has decided to move captain Riley Norton from his regular position at lock to blindside flank, with JD Hattingh promoted from the bench to the second row.

Norton completes a revamped loose trio alongside Junior Rasima (openside flank) and Vuyo Gwiji (No 8).

Experienced Junior Bok flyhalf Vusi Moyo retains the no. 10 jersey and will partner with Luan Giliomee in the halfbacks, from where they will direct a heavily rotated back division.

Lindsey Jansen swaps wings to take the no. 11 jersey and, in the midfield, Janco Purchase will partner with Pieter van der Merwe. Khuthadzo Rasivhago shifts from outside centre to right wing, while Dylan Miller slots in at fullback, having started on the left wing last week in France.

The SA u19s had an intensive training session on Tuesday afternoon, quickly acclimatising to the notoriously cold and wet conditions at their training base in Cork.

Foote said that after two productive weeks on tour, they are eager to finish their European visit strongly.

“After playing France, we are now facing Ireland and we know how passionate their supporters are over here,” he said.

“Considering the difficult local conditions, we know we are in for a proper challenge, and that’s exactly the kind of learning curve we need.”

Regarding his selection for the tour-ending clash, Foote explained: “We are specifically giving players who didn’t feature against France last weekend an opportunity. We are building crucial positional depth, and it’s important that everyone on this tour gets the chance to wear the Green and Gold.”

Foote added that the tour has provided his young charges with invaluable experience: “It’s been a great tour in terms of spending quality time together, connecting with each other, and understanding more about our game.

“Now, we have to take those hard-earned lessons from France and apply them directly against Ireland. It’s a great challenge and we are looking forward to the game, where the locals will no doubt support the Irish feverously.

“We expect the conditions to be tough, but we are ready for the opportunity to play Ireland,” Foote ended.

The game will be streamed live on IrishRugby+.

SA U19 Academy team to face Ireland in Cork

15 Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province)
14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
13 Janco Purchase (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
12 Pieter van der Merwe (vice-captain, Vodacom Bulls)
11 Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls)
10 Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
9 Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
8 Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity ADT Lions)
7 Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province)
6 Junior Rasima (Fidelity ADT Lions)
5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions)
4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls)
3 Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province)
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls)
1 Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province)

Replacements

16 Mahle Sithole (Vodacom Bulls)
17 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
18 Ulrich van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
19 Tom Barnard (DHL Western Province)
20 KB Maake (Vodacom Bulls)
21 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
22 Brooklyn Newman (Vodacom Bulls)
23 Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications