The Junior Boks are ramping up their firepower in the coaching department as they prepare to defend their title at the 2026 Junior World Cup. Barend Pieterse, a former Springbok and seasoned coach, has been enlisted to join the South African U20 side, bringing his strategic prowess to the young team's quest for glory.
Barend Pieterse, whose rugby journey includes playing stints with the Lions, Cheetahs, and Eastern Province, and a singular cap for the Springboks in 2007, is set to make a significant impact. He steps into a role previously held by Johann Ackermann, now the coach of the Bulls, taking on responsibilities as a lineout and breakdown consultant. Pieterse’s addition is a strategic move, aimed at fortifying the Junior Boks' forwards under the guidance of forwards coach Lumumba Currie.
Pieterse's coaching credentials are well-established, having contributed to the senior Springboks' 2023 World Cup triumph and currently serving as the forwards coach for the Lions. His transition to the U20 setup is seen as a natural progression.
"Barend comes highly-rated and has previously worked with many of the staff in the Junior Springbok system, so there is a natural ‘fit’,"
noted Dave Wessels, SA Rugby's general manager of high performance.
The new coaching recruit is set to join the Junior Boks at their upcoming training camp in Stellenbosch. Their preparation schedule includes a trip to Georgia in February, followed by participation in the U20s Rugby Championship held in Gqeberha during April and May. The team will then circle back to Georgia in July to defend their Junior World Cup title. In their quest to retain their crown, they will face stiff competition from rugby powerhouses such as England, New Zealand, France, and Australia.
The integration of Pieterse into the coaching staff is anticipated to inject a fresh dynamism into the team, echoing the successful influence of his predecessor Ackermann. With his comprehensive experience and tactical acumen, Pieterse is expected to be a pivotal figure in the Junior Boks’ championship aspirations.
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The Junior Boks are ramping up their firepower in the coaching department as they prepare to defend their title at the 2026 Junior World Cup. Barend Pieterse, a former Springbok and seasoned coach, has been enlisted to join the South African U20 side, bringing his strategic prowess to the young team's quest for glory.
Barend Pieterse, whose rugby journey includes playing stints with the Lions, Cheetahs, and Eastern Province, and a singular cap for the Springboks in 2007, is set to make a significant impact. He steps into a role previously held by Johann Ackermann, now the coach of the Bulls, taking on responsibilities as a lineout and breakdown consultant. Pieterse’s addition is a strategic move, aimed at fortifying the Junior Boks' forwards under the guidance of forwards coach Lumumba Currie.
Pieterse's coaching credentials are well-established, having contributed to the senior Springboks' 2023 World Cup triumph and currently serving as the forwards coach for the Lions. His transition to the U20 setup is seen as a natural progression.
"Barend comes highly-rated and has previously worked with many of the staff in the Junior Springbok system, so there is a natural ‘fit’,"
noted Dave Wessels, SA Rugby's general manager of high performance.The new coaching recruit is set to join the Junior Boks at their upcoming training camp in Stellenbosch. Their preparation schedule includes a trip to Georgia in February, followed by participation in the U20s Rugby Championship held in Gqeberha during April and May. The team will then circle back to Georgia in July to defend their Junior World Cup title. In their quest to retain their crown, they will face stiff competition from rugby powerhouses such as England, New Zealand, France, and Australia.
The integration of Pieterse into the coaching staff is anticipated to inject a fresh dynamism into the team, echoing the successful influence of his predecessor Ackermann. With his comprehensive experience and tactical acumen, Pieterse is expected to be a pivotal figure in the Junior Boks’ championship aspirations.