Charles Esther
Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote has named his squad for the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy.
The squad features five players returning for their second consecutive U20 Championship, including captain Riley Norton.
These experienced players will be key to the team’s strategy as they aim for a strong tournament performance.
Other returning players include locks Jaco Grobbelaar, utility forward Bathobele Hlekani, prop Herman Lubbe, loose forward Wandile Mlaba, and scrumhalf Haashim Pead.
Their previous championship experience is expected to help guide the team through the pressure of international competition.
New Talents Join the Junior Boks for Their First U20 Championship
The 2025 squad also includes new faces who will make their U20 international debuts in Italy.
Prop Phiwayinkosi Kubheka and flyhalf Ian van der Merwe bring fresh energy to the team.
Kubheka played for South Africa’s U18 team in 2023, while Van der Merwe represented the same age group last year.
Other players returning after missing recent tournaments include No 8 Stephanus Linde, Jaco Grobbelaar, and outside back Jaco Williams.
Linde was sidelined by injury but had previously toured with the Junior Boks in Georgia.
Youthful Prospects Build a Strong Future for the Team
The squad features six players still eligible for the U19 age group, showing promise for upcoming campaigns.
These young talents include Kubheka, prop Oliver Reid, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, captain Riley Norton, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and outside back Cheswill Jooste.
Their inclusion indicates the team’s focus on developing long-term depth and skill.
These players gain valuable experience now, which will benefit the Junior Boks in future championships.
Coach Kevin Foote Praises Players and Support Networks
Coach Foote acknowledged the challenge of reducing the training squad from 37 to the final 30 players.
He praised all players for their positive attitude and dedication throughout the preparation phase.
Foote highlighted that most of the squad has trained together since the SA U19 Academy Programme began last November in Stellenbosch.
He also thanked schools and provincial unions for their role in nurturing the players’ development.
Strong cooperation across all levels has been vital for preparing the team for the tournament.
Difficult Selection Decisions and Standby Players
Foote expressed empathy for players who narrowly missed selection for the final squad.
He reassured them that they remain on standby and could be called up if needed during the tournament.
The process to finalize the 30-player roster was described as “enormously difficult” by the coach.
Foote thanked those not selected for their professionalism and encouraged them to keep working hard.
Junior Boks’ Preparation and Tournament Schedule
The Junior Springboks will continue training in Stellenbosch before flying to Italy on June 24.
They will open their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign against Australia on June 29 in Calvisano.
Following matches include games versus England on July 4 in Rovigo and Scotland on July 9 back in Calvisano.
If successful in pool play, the team will progress to semi-finals on July 14 and final or ranking matches on July 19.
Junior Boks Squad for 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship
Props: Jean Erasmus, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Herman Lubbe, Simphiwe Ngobese, Oliver Reid.
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele, Jaundré Schoeman.
Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar, Riley Norton (captain), JJ Theron, Morné Venter.
Loose forwards: Thando Biyela, Bathobele Hlekani, Wandile Mlaba, Xola Nyali, Matt Romao, Stephanus Linde.
Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson, Haashim Pead, Erich Visser.
Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo, Ian van der Merwe.
Centres: Albie Bester, Gino Cupido, Demitre Erasmus, Dominic Malgas.
Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste, Gilermo Mentoe, Siya Ndlozi, Jaco Williams.
Looking Ahead to Italy and Beyond
With a blend of experienced leaders and promising young talent, the Junior Boks are set to compete strongly in Italy.
The squad’s balance offers hope for both immediate success and long-term growth.
Their first match against Australia will test their readiness on the global stage.
Fans and rugby supporters will watch closely to see if the Junior Boks can clinch the title in the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
