SA Rugby has named a group of 48 promising young players for its inaugural Under-19 Academy camp set to take place between November 18 to 30 at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
This camp marks a key step in preparing the next generation of Junior Springboks, with a second camp to follow from 21 December 8 to 21. The academy will play a pivotal role in the selection process for the 2024 Junior Springbok squad.
This new academy structure will help bridge the gap between schoolboy rugby and the international Under-20 level, addressing SA Rugby’s strategic goal of winning the World Rugby Under-20 Championship at least once in a three-year cycle. The Junior Springboks last claimed the title in 2012 and came closest again in 2014, finishing as runners-up.
The national age-group programme is kicking back into gear soon with two U19 camps in Stellenbosch - more here: https://t.co/5dU6v4XoSP 🙌#JuniorBoks #SARugbyAcademy #BuildingBoks pic.twitter.com/EsfyKSvnwE
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) October 22, 2024
Several players in this Under-19 group have already represented South Africa at international level. The squad includes capped Junior Springboks like Herman Lubbe, Divan Fuller, Wandile Mlaba, Bathobele Hlekani, Hassiem Pead, and JC Mars. Fuller, Hlekani, and Mars also gained valuable senior-level experience in the Carling Currie Cup.
The academy will also feature standout talents from the SA Under-19 Cup and Under-21 Cup champions, the Fidelity ADT Lions Under-19 and DHL WP Under-21 sides, respectively, ensuring a competitive mix of the best young rugby players in the country.
Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s General Manager for High Performance, explained that the creation of the Under-19 Academy was a key outcome of the 2024 Junior Bok season review. He noted that while the player development pathway has been successful in producing Springboks and provincial stars, the Junior Springboks have struggled with consistency on the global stage, finishing seventh in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship this year.
“We must create more playing opportunities for our youngsters,” said Wessels. “European teams have the annual Under-20 Six Nations, and the Pacific Nations also have a yearly competition. While the Under-20 Rugby Championship is a helpful step, we need more fixtures to ensure our players gain vital experience.”
To address this, SA Rugby is planning several fixtures for the Under-19 Academy squad, including a potential international tour to Europe in early 2025, which will be confirmed in due course.
The academy will be led by new SA Under-20 coach Kevin Foote, who will take a central role in preparing the squad for next year’s international competitions.
SA Rugby Under-19 Academy squad:
Props: Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Christoff Etzebeth (Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Cheetahs), Ranon Fouche (Bulls), Sandi Msengana (Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Ali Thiam (Bulls), Herman Lubbe (Western Province).
Hookers: Christian Everitt (Sharks), JC Viljoen (Sharks), Jaundre Schoeman (Bulls), Stefan Venter (Cheetahs).
Locks: Danio Botha (Western Province), Neil Hansen (Lions), Michael Versfeld (Bulls), Ulrich van der Westhuizen (Sharks), Kuhle Mthimkhulu (Sharks), Morne Venter (Lions), Eduan Vosloo (Bulls).
Loose Forwards: Divan Fuller (Western Province), Xola Nyali (Western Province), De Wet Grant Fourie (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Matt Romao (Sharks), Yabo Ndzamela (Sharks), JJ Theron (Bulls), Thandolwethu Biyela (Lions), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Marco Ferreira (Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Hassiem Pead (Lions), Juan Loots (Sharks), Christiaan van der Westhuizen (Cheetahs), Zeke January (Bulls).
Flyhalves: Kyle Smith (Western Province), Matthew Coetzee (Lions), JT Kapank (Bulls).
Centres: Tirhani Masondo (Lions), Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province, SA Sevens Academy), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Exauce Kevani Tshiamala (Lions), Scott Nel (Sharks), Jody Schambreel (Lions).
Outside Backs: Siya Ndlozi (Sharks, SA Sevens Academy), Riyaad Bam (Bulls), JC Mars (Western Province), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Jaco Williams (Sharks).
This initiative by SA Rugby is expected to significantly bolster the country’s rugby talent pipeline and set the stage for future international success.
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