The rugby fever is set to hit Cape Town in May as the Junior Springboks gear up for the U20 International Series, a crucial warm-up ahead of their Junior World Championship defense. The event will see the young Boks face off against teams from Georgia, Fiji, and Chile in a thrilling set of double-header matches at the iconic City Park venue near Athlone.
This series marks the final tune-up for coach Kevin Foote and his squad before they head to Georgia for the world championship in June. Last year, the Junior Boks ended a long title drought by clinching the championship in Italy, a victory that has reignited their hunger for rugby glory.
"We know game time out on the field in actual matches is crucial as we prepare for the Junior World Championship, and we are truly grateful for this opportunity,” said Foote.
The inclusion of all players from the wider squad in these upcoming matches underlines the team's strategy to experiment with different combinations and to refine their game plan. Foote's anticipation extends beyond mere preparation; it's also about strengthening international rugby ties. “We’re also excited to build on our relationships with the three visiting nations. We’re in the same Junior World Championship pool as Georgia, while Fiji will no doubt also use this opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament,” remarked Foote. He further noted, “Chile is one of the up-and-coming junior teams, and they will host the World Rugby U20 Challenger Cup this year, so I’m sure they will be eager to impress on home soil.”
Before heading to Cape Town, the Junior Boks are competing in the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, facing fierce rivals from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. This series not only primes them for the upcoming global challenge but also tests their mettle against some of the best young teams in the southern hemisphere.
The U20 International Series will kick off with a match between Georgia and Fiji on Thursday, 21 May, followed by South Africa versus Chile. The series continues with Chile against Georgia on Tuesday, 26 May, before South Africa takes on Fiji. The final day, Sunday, 31 May, will see Fiji clash with Chile and South Africa wrap up the series against Georgia.
The Junior Springboks' pursuit of back-to-back world titles is about to get a whole lot more intense, and Cape Town is where the next chapter begins. With the world watching, the young Boks are not just playing for a win; they're playing to make history.
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The rugby fever is set to hit Cape Town in May as the Junior Springboks gear up for the U20 International Series, a crucial warm-up ahead of their Junior World Championship defense. The event will see the young Boks face off against teams from Georgia, Fiji, and Chile in a thrilling set of double-header matches at the iconic City Park venue near Athlone.
This series marks the final tune-up for coach Kevin Foote and his squad before they head to Georgia for the world championship in June. Last year, the Junior Boks ended a long title drought by clinching the championship in Italy, a victory that has reignited their hunger for rugby glory.
"We know game time out on the field in actual matches is crucial as we prepare for the Junior World Championship, and we are truly grateful for this opportunity,” said Foote.
The inclusion of all players from the wider squad in these upcoming matches underlines the team's strategy to experiment with different combinations and to refine their game plan. Foote's anticipation extends beyond mere preparation; it's also about strengthening international rugby ties. “We’re also excited to build on our relationships with the three visiting nations. We’re in the same Junior World Championship pool as Georgia, while Fiji will no doubt also use this opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament,” remarked Foote. He further noted, “Chile is one of the up-and-coming junior teams, and they will host the World Rugby U20 Challenger Cup this year, so I’m sure they will be eager to impress on home soil.”
Before heading to Cape Town, the Junior Boks are competing in the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, facing fierce rivals from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. This series not only primes them for the upcoming global challenge but also tests their mettle against some of the best young teams in the southern hemisphere.
The U20 International Series will kick off with a match between Georgia and Fiji on Thursday, 21 May, followed by South Africa versus Chile. The series continues with Chile against Georgia on Tuesday, 26 May, before South Africa takes on Fiji. The final day, Sunday, 31 May, will see Fiji clash with Chile and South Africa wrap up the series against Georgia.
The Junior Springboks' pursuit of back-to-back world titles is about to get a whole lot more intense, and Cape Town is where the next chapter begins. With the world watching, the young Boks are not just playing for a win; they're playing to make history.
Teams: Georgia, Fiji, Chile, South Africa.