Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s progress and recent preparations. Picture: AAP Image, Scott Barbour
The Junior Springboks have announced a 30-man squad set to embark on a crucial tour to Georgia as part of their preparations for a highly anticipated 2025 season.
The team will depart South Africa on Sunday, February 16, for a two-week campaign that includes three matches.
The tour forms an integral part of the Junior Boks’ build-up to the 2025 Sanzaar-organised Under-20 Rugby Championship (April and May) and the World Rugby Under-20 Championship (June and July).
The squad has been selected from the SA Rugby Under-20 Academy training group, currently based in Stellenbosch.
The Junior Boks will open their tour with a club fixture against Lelo Saracens on February 19 before taking on the Georgian Under-20 team in two international matches on February 23 and 28. The squad will return to South Africa on March 1.
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s progress and recent preparations.
"We are very happy with where the squad is at the moment and grateful for the hit-out against Maties last week, as well as today’s training exercise against Ikeys. These sessions have helped us fine-tune our planning for Georgia," said Foote.
He emphasised that the focus remains on refining the team’s set-piece execution, kicking game, and overall skills. "All the coaches have done a really good job in this respect, and I am grateful for all their hard work."
Key Absentees
Foote highlighted the balanced selection of the touring squad, noting that some players were unavailable due to commitments with their Vodacom URC franchises or the Blitzboks, or were sidelined by injuries. Notable absentees include Jaco Williams, Gino Cupido, and JC Mars.
Leadership responsibilities will be shared among the squad, with Riley Norton having captained the team against Maties, assisted by Haashim Pead.
Junior Springbok Tour Squad
Props: Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Tebogo Nkosi (Toyota Cheetahs), Oliver Reid (DHL WP).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebele (Vodacom Bulls), HB Odendaal (Fidelity ADT Lions), Juandré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).
Locks: Kuhle Mthimkhulu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Riley Norton (DHL WP), Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Loose forwards: Divan Fuller (DHL WP), Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs), Yabo Ndzamela (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Xola Nyali (DHL WP), Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Scrumhalves: Zeke January (Vodacom Bulls), Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Flyhalves: Matthew Coetzee (Fidelity ADT Lions), JT Kapank (Vodacom Bulls).
Centres: Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Dominic Malgas (DHL WP), Pieter van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).
Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL WP), Chijindu Okonta (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Match Schedule:
Wednesday, 19 February: Junior Boks vs Lelo Saracens (15:00)
Sunday, 23 February: Junior Boks vs Georgia Under-20 (16:00)
Friday, 28 February: Junior Boks vs Georgia Under-20 (15:00)
The upcoming tour provides a vital opportunity for the Junior Boks to fine-tune their game plan and test themselves against competitive opposition ahead of a demanding international season.
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