The Junior Springboks are gearing up for a fierce title defense at the 2026 Junior World Championship in Georgia, boasting a blend of seasoned victors and fresh talent. With seven veterans from last year's triumphant team in Italy, the squad looks robust as they prepare to tackle the world once again from June 27 to July 18.
Leading the charge is Captain Riley Norton, alongside stalwarts Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Vusi Moyo, Cheswill Jooste, and Alzeadon Felix, all of whom are no strangers to the pressures and thrills of international competition. The inclusion of these seasoned players is a strategic move to blend experience with the vigor of ten promising players who have also been roped into the wider Springbok group for upcoming fixtures.
Among the fresh faces, there are eight U19 talents, signaling a bright future for South African rugby. These young stars are set for their cap this Saturday, after which they will join the final preparations at the Stellenbosch base camp before heading to Georgia.
"It was the most difficult decision for me and the fellow coaches,"
admitted Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote. "Any one of those not selected would have done a great job for us in Georgia. The quality and calibre of young men we've had the privilege of working with during the past six months in our programme made our decisions incredibly tough."
"We will play to the best of our ability for our country and especially for them, and we hope to make everyone proud."
The Junior Boks are slotted into Pool A with Wales, Georgia, and Uruguay. They kick off their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on June 27, followed by matches against hosts Georgia and Wales on July 2 and July 7, respectively. The ranking playoffs will unfold between July 12 and 18, culminating in the final showdown.
As the team wraps up their intensive training, the focus is razor-sharp. The blend of tested warriors and budding talent makes the Junior Boks a formidable force, poised not just to defend their title but to etch new tales of glory on the rugby fields of Georgia.
2026 Junior World Championship squad:
Props: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Danie Kruger (Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Bulls).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Sharks).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Lions), Riley Norton (c, Stormers), JD Hattingh (Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Luke Cannon (Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Vuyo Gwiji (Lions), Gert Kemp (Stormers), Thomas Beling (Lions).
Scrumhalves: