As the Junior Boks gear up for the exhilarating U20 International Series in Cape Town, they've been handed a significant boost with the return of four key players. Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp, and Pieter van der Merwe are set to rejoin the team, having recovered from injuries that sidelined them during the recent U20 Rugby Championship. This influx of fit talent is timely as the squad prepares to assemble at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports on May 18.
The first wave of players will hit the ground running early next week, while those who endured a grueling schedule at Gqeberha will catch an extra week to recharge. The current squad is a blend of seasoned young guns from previous training camps and the championship-winning team, along with a fresh face, loose forward Quintin Potgieter.
"We are looking to freshen up the squad, give players opportunities in certain positions and allow them to put their hands up for Junior World Championship selection,"
explained Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote. His strategy revolves around a mix of immediate team needs and long-term player development, aiming for a balance that fosters both growth and performance.
Despite the boost, the team will have to manage without regular captain and lock Riley Norton and utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya for the first couple of matches, both having commitments with the Springbok alignment camp. Additionally, injuries have ruled out midfielder Markus Muller and wing Cheswill Jooste, narrowing the selection pool slightly for Foote.
The series promises thrilling match-ups against Chile, Fiji, and Georgia, providing the perfect stage for these young prospects to shine and stake their claim for more prominent roles in future championships.
Junior Boks squad to assemble in Stellenbosch on 18 May:
Forwards: Jordan Jooste, Kai Pratt, Mahle Sithole, Altus Rabe, Luan van der Berg, Bongani Dlamini, Jaythen Orange, JD Hattingh, Thomas Beling, Risima Khosa, Quintin Potgieter, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp.
Backs: Jayden Brits, Jandrian Goosen, Vusi Moyo, Luan Giliomee, Jordan Steenkamp, Lindsey Jansen, Pieter van der Merwe, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Christian Vorster, Jade Muller, Junaide Stuart, Akahluwa Boqwana, Alzeadon Felix.
Squad members to assemble in Stellenbosch on 25 May:
Forwards: Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk, Danie Kruger, Heinrich Theron, Riley Norton, Kebotile Maake, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera.
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As the Junior Boks gear up for the exhilarating U20 International Series in Cape Town, they've been handed a significant boost with the return of four key players. Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp, and Pieter van der Merwe are set to rejoin the team, having recovered from injuries that sidelined them during the recent U20 Rugby Championship. This influx of fit talent is timely as the squad prepares to assemble at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports on May 18.
The first wave of players will hit the ground running early next week, while those who endured a grueling schedule at Gqeberha will catch an extra week to recharge. The current squad is a blend of seasoned young guns from previous training camps and the championship-winning team, along with a fresh face, loose forward Quintin Potgieter.
"We are looking to freshen up the squad, give players opportunities in certain positions and allow them to put their hands up for Junior World Championship selection,"
explained Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote. His strategy revolves around a mix of immediate team needs and long-term player development, aiming for a balance that fosters both growth and performance.Despite the boost, the team will have to manage without regular captain and lock Riley Norton and utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya for the first couple of matches, both having commitments with the Springbok alignment camp. Additionally, injuries have ruled out midfielder Markus Muller and wing Cheswill Jooste, narrowing the selection pool slightly for Foote.
The series promises thrilling match-ups against Chile, Fiji, and Georgia, providing the perfect stage for these young prospects to shine and stake their claim for more prominent roles in future championships.
Junior Boks squad to assemble in Stellenbosch on 18 May:
Forwards: Jordan Jooste, Kai Pratt, Mahle Sithole, Altus Rabe, Luan van der Berg, Bongani Dlamini, Jaythen Orange, JD Hattingh, Thomas Beling, Risima Khosa, Quintin Potgieter, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp.
Backs: Jayden Brits, Jandrian Goosen, Vusi Moyo, Luan Giliomee, Jordan Steenkamp, Lindsey Jansen, Pieter van der Merwe, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Christian Vorster, Jade Muller, Junaide Stuart, Akahluwa Boqwana, Alzeadon Felix.
Squad members to assemble in Stellenbosch on 25 May:
Forwards: Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk, Danie Kruger, Heinrich Theron, Riley Norton, Kebotile Maake, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera.
Backs: Hendré Schoeman, Yaqeen Ahmed, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Ethan Adams, Samuel Badenhorst, Jack Benade, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
With the team's blend of returning strength