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 selected 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 provide 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).
Scratch
Australia has a strong domestic rugby competition called the National Rugby Championship (NRC), which features clubs from across the country. In addition, Australian franchises participate in the Super Rugby competition, competing against teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Japan.
Cardinal Rebel
The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan marked the first time the tournament was held in Asia, reflecting the sport’s growing global appeal. The competition featured 20 teams, with South Africa emerging as the champions after defeating England in the final. The next Rugby World Cup is scheduled for 2023 in France.