SA Rugby confirmed on Friday that 58 players have been invited to the Under-17 Elite Player Development camp, which kicks off at Boland Landbou after the year-end exams.
The camp will run from 28 November until 5 December. All the invited players are part of SA Rugby’s EPD system and are still eligible to play for the SA Schools and Under-18 sides next year.
Apart from gym and field sessions, the players will also work on skills development and strength and conditioning under a group of specialist coaches.
Overseen by Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager: Development in the new Participation and Development Department, a host of coaches will work with the players, including James Winstanley, Lwazi Zangqa, Cobus van Dyk and Kathleho Lynch, all of whom were involved with the SA U18s in the last few seasons.
Ian Schwartz, General Manager: Participation and Development, said: “We are excited to bring together these talented young players for the U17 EPD camp, which is a crucial step in their rugby development.
“This camp will not only give them the opportunity to showcase their skills, but also to continue honing the fundamentals necessary to succeed at the next level.
“Our commitment to long-term player development is a key focus, and we are confident that this group of players will form a strong foundation for the future of South African rugby.”
SA Rugby U17 EPD squad: Roal Kruger, Zirk Meyer, Albert Smit, Stefan McDonald, Nicolaas Grobler, Ruben Groenewald, Christiaan de Wet, Junaide Pasensie, Junaide Stuart, Luan van den Berg, Thabiso Simelane (all Bulls); Robert-John Osonkwu, (Border); Ukekwe Ikechukwe, Jayden Brewis, Damien Witbooi (all Eastern Province); Toriq Schambreel, Ethan Adams (both Cheetahs); Chinedu Amadi, Jarrel Mbuyi, Andre Poulton, Brad Brown, Jeandre Uithaler (all Lions); Clinton Brits (Griquas); Vaughn van Zyl (Pumas); Lian Terblanche, Liyema Nela, Lwandile Mlaba, Sambesiwe Ndamase, Lizwe Mtetwa, Andile Ndlovu, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jadrian Afrikaner, Wasi Vyambwera, Raphael Ajibade (all Sharks); Adrian Smith, Jacobus de Villiers, Kai Pratt, Ruan Swart, Keenan Myners (all SWD); Henry Rudder, Jayden Brits, Dante Christians, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste, Jayden Joubert, Tristan Joubert, Francois van der Merwe, Quinton Potgieter, Zheemo Isaacs, Markus Muller, Jeerahno Jagers, Luchwayito Mbaliswano, Altus Rabe, Gert Kemp, Travis Pheiffer, Josh Neill, Randal-John Davids, Sango Zangqa (all Western Province).