Former SA U18 and current Ireland U20 loose forward Josh Neill could still play for the Springboks.
Cape Town-born Neill, who has an Irish passport, made his first appearance in emerald green against Italy in an U20 Six Nations warm-up match last weekend, scoring two tries.
However, under World Rugby Regulation 8.2, playing for a country’s age-group team does not prevent a player from later representing another nation at senior level. Only appearances for Ireland’s senior team, Ireland A or the Ireland Sevens side would make Neill ineligible for the Boks.
“Josh is a talented player with a bright future,” Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote told Rapport. “I’ve been in contact with his agent and he was given the opportunity to stay in South Africa.
“I know Western Province tried very hard to keep him, but he’s made a decision he feels is best for his future. I’m glad it’s started well for him and I wish him all the best in Ireland.”
MORE: SA U18 standout impresses on Ireland U20 debut
Neill captained Western Province at last year’s U18 Craven Week and was named Player of the Tournament. He then represented SA U18 against their France, Ireland and England counterparts,
Neill was previously in discussions with the Stormers, with negotiations understood to be lengthy and complex.
Stormers director of rugby John Dobson described him as “a top player and a top person”, admitting they would have liked to have signed him.
Photo: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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