Five World Rugby U20 Championship-winning Junior Boks have been included in the 30-man SA Rugby U19 Academy squad for a three-match tour to France and Ireland.
They are Junior Bok captain Riley Norton, Oliver Reid, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Siphosethu Mnebelele and Vusi Moyo.
The team departs on Wednesday.
The tour is an important step in SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development (EPD) pathway, offering young players international experience and a chance to immerse themselves in the Junior Boks’ culture.
The SA U19s will begin with an opposed training session against a French Invitational XV on 3 November, followed by a match against the French U19s on 8 November and a clash with Ireland U19 on 14 November.
Head coach Kevin Foote, supported by the Junior Boks management and coaching staff, said the players made good progress during their Stellenbosch camp.
“It was an awesome camp and a great opportunity to immerse the guys in our culture, what it means to play for the Junior Springboks, how we want to play, and how we want to represent ourselves,” Foote said.
Foote highlighted the benefit of continuity within the group, with five returning U20 world champions and 10 others who have been part of Junior Bok preparations this year.
The entire Junior Bok coaching team will be involved, including Thulani Nteta (S&C), Melusi Mthethwa (attack) and Lumumba Currie (forwards).
The final squad of 30 was reduced following injuries to lock James Schnetler and centre Samuel Badenhorst, with Thomas Beling brought in as cover during camp.
Beling, prop Henry du Plessis, loose forward Bohlala Mapisa and scrumhalf Adeeb Boraine did not make the touring squad.
“We are disappointed for the four players who left the camp today, but they leave with things to work on. We can only take 30 players,” Foote added. “For those injured and not considered, and for the U18s from this year’s school programme, there will be more opportunities.”
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Foote said the key goals for the tour are clarity, cohesion and laying foundations for next year.
“We know France and Ireland will be a challenge, especially at this stage of their season, but we want to represent our country well,” he said.
The squad returns to South Africa on 16 November.
SA U19 Academy touring squad:
Props: Oliver Reid (Western Province), Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (Sharks), Aphiwe Shelembe (Bulls), Ulrich van der Merwe (Sharks), Danie Kruger (Western Province)
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Mahle Sithole (Lions), Liam van Wyk (Sharks)
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (Western Province), JD Hattingh (Lions), Tom Barnard (Western Province)
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Vuyo Gwiji (Lions), Risima Khosa (Lions), Aiden de Costa (Western Province), Reuben Kruger (Western Province)
Scrumhalves: Brooklyn Newman (Bulls), Elgernon Meyer (Lions)
Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Sharks)
Centres: Pieter van der Merwe (Bulls), Janco Purchase (Sharks), Gregan Jansen (Sharks), Adriano Jackson (Lions)
Outside backs: Dylan Miller (Western Province), Unathi Mlotshwa (Bulls), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Lindsey Jansen (Bulls), Akahluwa Boqwana (Bulls)
Photo: World Rugby
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