Strong Junior Bok squad named for Under-20 World Championship in Italy

THE JUNIOR Springboks have unveiled a powerful 30-man squad for the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with five returning players and several fresh faces ready to showcase South Africa’s rugby depth on the world stage.

Lock Riley Norton will again captain the team in a tournament that runs from June 29 to July 19.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote announced the squad after months of intense preparation, which included a successful tour to Georgia and participation in the recent Under-20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha. Among the standout names are second-time World Championship representatives Jaco Grobbelaar, Bathobele Hlekani, Herman Lubbe, Wandile Mlaba, and Haashim Pead.

Promising talents such as Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka and Ian van der Merwe have earned their first call-ups, while Stephanus Linde, Jaco Williams, and Grobbelaar return to the fold after missing the Gqeberha campaign. Kubheka and Van der Merwe’s previous experience with the SA Under-18 team signals their fast progression through the national development pipeline.

Linde, who was injured during the Georgia tour, returns to add depth in the loose forward ranks. Grobbelaar and Williams bring added professionalism, having trained with Vodacom United Rugby Championship squads earlier this year.

Foote emphasised the difficulty of the selection process, saying, “The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application, and most of the group have been together since November last year when the SA Under-19 Academy Programme started in Stellenbosch.”

He also praised the collaborative role of provincial unions and schools in grooming players, saying, “The provincial unions must be commended for their excellent cooperation during the numerous training camps.”

Of particular interest is the inclusion of six players still eligible for U19 competition, Kubheka, Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Norton, Vusi Moyo, and Cheswill Jooste, highlighting the bright future of South African rugby beyond 2025.

Foote paid tribute to the players who narrowly missed selection, assuring them they remain on standby: “We all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection. Their effort and attitude were exemplary.”

The Junior Boks will continue their preparations in Stellenbosch before flying to Italy on 24 June. They face Australia in Calvisano on 29 June, England in Rovigo on 4 July, and Scotland on 9 July, again in Calvisano. The top teams will then progress to the semi-finals and final.

Junior Springbok Squad for the 2025 U20 World Championship:

Props: Jean Erasmus, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Herman Lubbe, Simphiwe Ngobese, Oliver Reid

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele, Jaundré SchoemanLocks: Jaco Grobbelaar, Riley Norton (captain), JJ Theron, Morné Venter

Loose Forwards: Thando Biyela, Bathobele Hlekani, Wandile Mlaba, Xola Nyali, Matt   Romao, Stephanus Linde.Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson, Haashim Pead, Erich Visser

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo, Ian van der MerweCentres: Albie Bester, Gino Cupido, Demitre Erasmus, Dominic MalgasOutside Backs: Cheswill Jooste, Gilermo Mentoe, Siya Ndlozi, Jaco Williams

Pool A Fixtures

29 June: vs Australia (Calvisano)

4 July: vs England (Rovigo)

9 July: vs Scotland (Calvisano)

Semi-finals: 14 July (Verona & Viadana)

Final & Play-offs: 19 July (Calvisano & Rovigo)