Newly-appointed Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote is ready to dive into his role, hoping to instil enthusiasm and ambition into the young players as he leads the cream of South Africa’s Under-20 rugby talent.
Newly-appointed Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote is ready to dive into his role, hoping to instil enthusiasm and ambition into the young players as he leads the cream of South Africa’s Under-20 rugby talent.
Foote, along with his coaching staff Lumumba Currie and Melusi Mthethwa, is set to launch the inaugural SA Under-19 Academy camp in Stellenbosch this November and December.
These camps will be a cornerstone in preparing South Africa’s next generation of rugby stars, providing a pathway for young players aiming to secure spots in the 2025 Junior Springbok squad.
Foote, expressed deep excitement about his new role, when he said, “I am super excited about the next step in my coaching career, and it is an absolute honour and privilege to be involved with the Junior Springboks as we get ready to prepare the next generations of Springboks.”
Kevin Foote's tenure as new #JuniorBoks coach has kicked off and he can't wait for the first camp to start – more here: https://t.co/1cGY8P0Uom 🤝#JourneyToGreatness
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) November 12, 2024
He emphasised the team’s commitment to building a strong Junior Boks roster, with the camp providing valuable face-to-face time with SA’s top Under-19 talent.
The upcoming SA Under-19 Academy camps are designed to give the coaching team a clear overview of the potential squad for next year’s SA Rugby Academy intake. Players will participate in two training matches, allowing coaches to assess performance and readiness for the 2025 season.
“The main aim for now is for us to work with a full squad during the two camps,” Foote noted, underscoring the importance of these camps for honing skills and setting a foundation for the Junior Boks’ future success.
SA Rugby has also announced squad adjustments, reflecting its commitment to building a versatile team.
Players such as Divan Fuller and JC Mars have joined the DHL Stormers’ Vodacom United Rugby Championship group, while newcomers like Aiden Norris (DHL WP) and JT Strydom (Toyota Cheetahs) have stepped up to fill in. Additional changes include call-ups for Chijindu Okonta (Hollywoodbets Sharks, wing) and Daniel van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls, centre), while two overseas-based players, Christian Everitt and JC Viljoen, were replaced due to logistics.
Beyond the camps, the Under-19 Academy squad will have several fixtures lined up, with a potential European tour early in 2025 for the Junior Boks. These preparations lay the groundwork for the team’s participation in next year’s Under-20 Rugby Championship, setting the stage for competitive international exposure.
As SA Rugby’s Talent Management Department collaborates closely with Foote and his coaching staff, the focus is on cultivating the Junior Boks’ skill and cohesion, highlighting the sport’s future stars. The updated squad list features a line-up of talented youngsters eager to put their abilities on display and contribute to the Junior Boks’ journey ahead.
