This Friday marks the kick-off of the U18 International Series at Hoërskool Durbanville, showcasing South Africa's rugby stars of tomorrow. The series features South Africa’s two U18 teams squaring off against their counterparts from Ireland, France, England, and Georgia. At the helm for the South African sides are Jacobus de Villiers, leading the SA U18 against France, and Martin van Niekerk, who captains the SA U18 A team against Ireland.
The bouts are set to unfold across three venues, with the second round on August 11 at Boland Landbou and the finale on August 15 at Stellenberg. The SA U18 A team will initiate the day's action at 11:30 am against Ireland, followed by England versus Georgia at 1:30 pm. The prime event will see the SA U18 team tackle France at 3:30 pm, battling for the Mehdi Narjissi Cup — a tribute to the French player whose life was tragically cut short in 2024.
These matches are more than just games; they are a critical component of SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development pathway which sharpens the skills of the country's best schoolboy talents against formidable international teams. This series is widely regarded as a crucial stepping stone for young athletes aspiring to climb the ranks in South African rugby.
The lineups feature a blend of new faces and seasoned players from last year’s squads. The SA U18 side, taking on France, includes eight returning players, all eager to prove their mettle. Similarly, the SA U18 A team fields two players who are back from last year’s series, ready to leave their mark against Ireland.
SA U18 team list is as follows: 1. Clement Makelele (Sharks, Kearsney College), 2. Charles Whitehead (Western Province, Paarl Gymnasium), 3. Nicolas Salamousas (Sharks, Michaelhouse), 4. Juvan Burden (Western Province, Stellenberg), 5. Jean Dreyer (Western Province, Paarl Gimnasium), 6. Stefan van der Vyver (Blue Bulls, Garsfontein), 7. Jamie Wimble (Sharks, Northwood), 8. Jacobus de Villiers (SWD, Oakdale) (c), 9. Mickyle Booise (Western Province, Paarl Gimnasium), 10. Ethan van Biljon (Western Province, Stellenberg), 11. Ncuthu Kepe (Border, Queen’s College), 12. Tiaan Basson (Western Province, Paul Roos Gymnasium), 13. Erin Nelson (Eastern Province, Graeme College), 14. Anesu Kuzonyei (Sharks, Northwood), 15. Lamla Mgedezi (Free State, Grey College). Substitutes: 16. Theo Boshoff (Sharks, Maritzburg College) to 26. Luxolo Sonkonokono (Sharks, Westville).
SA U18 A team list is as follows: 1. Max Malan (Western Province, Paarl Boys’ High), 2. Charl Els (Blue Bulls, Affies), 3. Priden Sibiya (Sharks, Durban High School), 4. Bernhardt Schulze (Western Province, Paarl Gimnasium), 5. Martin van Niekerk (Blue Bulls, Affies) (c), 6. Linakho Mehlomakulu (Western Province, Rondebosch), 7. Werner de Bruin (Western Province, Paul Roos Gymnasium), 8. Niel du Randt (Free State, Grey College), 9. Rufagon Hendricks (SWD, Outeniqua), 10. Anthony Viljoen (Golden Lions, Monument), 11. Ruan Genis (Golden Lions, Monument), 12. Amogelang Mataboge (Sharks, Durban High School), 13. Nathan Aneke (Sharks, Durban High School), 14. Lucritia Magua (Eastern Province, Graeme College), 15. Rhandzu Mkhabela (Pumas, Nelspruit). Substitutes: 16. Kwaza Gobingca (Western Province, Rondebosch) to 26. Thomas Saunders (Western Province, Paarl Gimnasium).
With these lineups, the stage is set for a thrilling series that promises to display the raw talent and potential of South Africa’s next generation of rugby stars.
