Latest news with #JuniorSpringboks
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Norton to lead strong Junior Bok side in Italy
Western Province lock Riley Norton has been named captain of a powerful Junior Springbok side to play at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy from June 29 to July 19. The team show several changes to the squad which ended third in the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in May. Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) have not played for the SA U20s before, and Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Stephanus Linde (No 8) and Jaco Williams (outside back) are back in the squad after missing the Gqeberha tournament. Kubheka played for the SA U18s in 2024 and Van der Merwe in 2023, while Linde toured with the Junior Boks in Georgia earlier in 2025 before he picked up an injury, which ruled him out of the Rugby Championship. Grobbelaar is one of the five players returning for a second World Rugby Championship stint, alongside utility forward Batho Hlekani, prop Herman Lubbe, loose forward Wandile Mlaba and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. Six players who are still U19 have been included in the squad, which bodes well for 2026. They are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), Norton (lock), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) and Cheswill Jooste (outside back). Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote's selection had been a difficult task, and he and the coaching staff were pleased with the final squad. 'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application and most of the group have been together since November last year, when the SA U19 Academy Programme kicked off in Stellenbosch,' he said. 'I want to thank every player who has been part of the various training groups for their amazing effort. 'The schools and provincial unions also deserve a huge amount of credit for how they have prepared our players. 'We selected a good group of players who are determined to do the country proud with their performances on the field and their conduct off-field. 'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players and we all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection.' Junior Springbok squad: Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (WP), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (WP). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (WP), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions). Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (WP), Xola Nyali (WP), Matt Romao (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Cheetahs). Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Erich Visser (Cheetahs). Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls). Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (WP), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (WP). Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (WP), Jaco Williams (Sharks). SA's Pool A fixtures: Sunday, June 29: vs Australia U20 — Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). Friday, July 4: vs England U20 — Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo). Wednesday, July 9: vs Scotland U20 — June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). The Herald
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Junior Bok squad named for World Champs in Italy
Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote has included five players who will feature in their second World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with lock Riley Norton retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July. Five players are returning for a second consecutive U20 Championship campaign. These include Norton, Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Bathobele Hlekani (utility forward), Herman Lubbe (prop), Wandile Mlaba (loose forward), and Haashim Pead (scrumhalf). Their experience will be crucial as the Junior Boks aim for a strong showing on the global stage. Among the new additions to the squad are Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf), both of whom will make their U20 international debuts. Kubheka represented South Africa at U18 level in 2023, while Van der Merwe featured in the same age group last year. Stephanus Linde (No 8), Grobbelaar, and Jaco Williams (outside back) are also back in the squad after missing the recent U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha. Linde had toured with the Junior Boks to Georgia earlier in the year but was sidelined by injury. The squad includes six players who are still eligible for the U19 age group, which bodes well for future campaigns. These players are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, Norton, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and outside back Cheswill Jooste. Coach Foote acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing down the training squad of 37 players to the final 30. He praised the attitude and commitment shown by all players, especially those who have been part of the team since the SA U19 Academy Programme began last November in Stellenbosch. 'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application,' said Foote. 'Most of this group has been together since last November during the SA U19 Academy Programme in Stellenbosch.' Foote also expressed gratitude to the schools and provincial unions for their contributions to the players' development, highlighting the importance of cooperation across all levels in preparing the squad through various training camps and the tour to Georgia. Foote recognized the disappointment for players who missed out on selection but reassured them that they remain on standby and could still be called up if necessary. 'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players,' Foote added. 'We all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection. Thank you to them for their positive attitude, and they will remain on standby.' The Junior Springboks will continue their training in Stellenbosch before departing for Italy on 24 June. They will open their tournament against Australia on 29 June in Calvisano. Their remaining pool matches are against England (4 July in Rovigo) and Scotland (9 July, back in Calvisano). With a balanced blend of experienced players and exciting emerging talent, the Junior Boks are poised to compete strongly at the World Championship and lay the groundwork for future success. JUNIOR BOKS SQUAD FOR 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (Western Province). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, Western Province), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions). Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Matt Romao (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Cheetahs). Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Erich Visser (Cheetahs). Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls). Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (Western Province). Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Jaco Williams (Sharks). South Africa's Pool A fixtures: Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks vs Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano) Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks vs England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo) Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks vs Scotland U20 – June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano) Playoffs: Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals (Verona and Viadana) Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo) WILL THE JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS CLINCH THE TITLE IN ITALY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Baby Boks coach Foote says his men learnt plenty from Rugby Championship ahead of World Cup
Springboks Under-20 coach Kevin Foote beleives valuable lessons have been learnt by his young young charges ahead of the World Under-20 Championship. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship but coach Kevin Foote said the players can take positives from their courageous effort against the young New Zealand on Saturday. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion. South Africa had led 26-24 at the break. Foote said his players should be proud of their effort after being outscored by eight tries to seven. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I only met Riley Norton and the guys in November. We are working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place. The lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game against the Kiwis, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. Reaction from #JuniorBoks coach Kevin Foote: 'We know we are not the finished product and we have a lot of work to there are a lot of positives to take from that performance' - more here: 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #TRCU20 — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we have a lot of work to do, but think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving what they do with the ball.' Foote said the Junior Bok coaching staff will send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some must get game time. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached. We are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load will be managed, we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' The #JuniorBoks fought to the bitter end of #TRCU20, with magnificent support in Gqeberha and all over South Africa. We go again in a few weeks' time - thanks for backing our boys 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 SA Under-20 captain Riley Norton, who again had a solid game at lock, was also full of praise for the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' said Norton. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have built, not only on the field but off it, and the trust we have created, are extremely important. Norton also praised the Eastern Cape crowd for their support during the thrilling encounter: 'It was a massive honour for us to play in front of such a passionate crowd. "They came out in numbers on a Sunday afternoon, and we are privileged to represent them and play for the country. We want to say thank you to the people of Gqeberha for the support and hospitality throughout our three-week long stay here.'
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Boks aim to gain from U20 Rugby Championship pain
Head coach Kevin Foote and skipper Riley Norton say the Junior Springboks can take key lessons from a tough home tournament for the U20 World Championship next month. The South Africans fell short in their bid to capture The U20 Rugby Championship in the republic when they lost 48-45 to New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha yesterday. The hosts beat Argentina in fine style their opener, before going down to Australia and New Zealand. But Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' he told reporters post-match. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the U20 Championship next month in Italy. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' Foote added. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.' Foote said the SA U20 coaching staff are keen to send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby U21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some players will go back to their provinces to play in the U21 competition. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached there, and we are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load we will have to manage, but we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' Norton, who started all three of the Junior Boks' games of the competition, praised the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against such quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' he said. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have managed to build, not only on the field but off-field as well, and the trust we managed to create, are extremely important to us.' The post Junior Boks aim to gain from U20 Champs pain appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
News24
11-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Junior Boks fall agonisingly short in epic NZ clash
The Junior Springboks narrowly lost to New Zealand 48-45 in a thrilling Under-20 Rugby Championship finale. Coach Kevin Foote praised his team's attack, character, and progress, calling the game a positive learning experience. The team remains focused on improving ahead of the U20 World Championship in Italy. The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break. Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.'
