Junior Boks ready to do what needs to be done at 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy

A SPIRITED and focused Junior Springbok squad is preparing to depart for Italy ahead of the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which kicks off this Sunday.

The young South Africans will launch their campaign with a challenging Pool A fixture against Australia, followed by matchups against England and Scotland.

After wrapping up final preparations in Stellenbosch, the team will head to their tournament base in Verona on Tuesday. There, they will fine-tune their strategies and acclimatise to Italian conditions before taking the field in Calvisano on Sunday, June 29.

The players are brimming with pride and determination, as emphasised by team captain Riley Norton, a former Paul Roos Gymnasium pupil from Stellenbosch.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to be here, and all of us are just so proud to be representing this team and our country,” said Norton. “The brotherhood and togetherness are big focuses for us. We all want to be the best players we can be in service of the Junior Springboks.”

Hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, who captained the SA Under-18 side last year and hails from King Edward VII School, said the experience gained in the Under-20 Rugby Championship against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand was crucial in preparing the team.

“The intensity will be quite different from what we're used to, and that is why we are so grateful for the exposure we had during the Rugby Championship,” Mnebelele said.

He also shared how a motivational message from Springbok star Damian Willemse during the team’s capping ceremony inspired the squad. “He told us to be ourselves, play to the best of our abilities, and fight for each other, our team, and the country.”

Lock JJ Theron, a Grey College alumnus and former SA Schools captain, is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead.

“It’s a very demanding tournament with only five days between games,” said Theron. “But as South Africans, we embrace a challenge. Every match – against Australia, England, and Scotland – will be a huge test.

"Our aim is to stay focused on the moment and do what needs to be done.”

The Junior Boks are confident in their identity and approach, with physicality being a key strength they plan to bring to the tournament.

“We pride ourselves on our physicality, and that’s what we aim to display on the field,” added Theron. “We’re all enormously proud to be selected for the Junior Boks, and we are excited about the opportunity to represent our country.”

The team will hold their first training session on Italian soil on Wednesday afternoon.

Junior Springbok Squad – 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship, Italy:

Props: Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (WP)

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls)

Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, WP), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions)

Loose Forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (WP), Xola Nyali (WP), Matt Romao (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs)

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Erich Visser (Cheetahs)

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls)

Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (WP), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (WP)

Outside Backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi WP), Jaco Williams (Sharks)

Junior Boks – Pool A Fixtures:

• Sunday, 29 June: vs Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele, Calvisano
• Friday, 4 July: vs England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini, Rovigo
• Wednesday, 9 July: vs Scotland U20 – Stadio San Michele, Calvisano

Play-off Rounds:

• Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals – Verona and Viadana
• Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches – Calvisano and Rovigo

With a united team and a country behind them, supporters can be sure of one thing, the Junior Springboks are ready to make their mark on the global stage.