Junior Boks putting in hard yards ahead of Gqeberha tournament

No stone will be left unturned to ensure the Junior Boks’ preparations for the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha from April 27 to May 9 are spot on, says assistant coach Lumumba Currie.

The tournament will feature the best young talent from SA, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, with big crowds expected to attend matches played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on three match days (April 27 and May 3 and 9).

The Junior Boks took another significant step towards the Rugby Championship when they engaged in a high-intensity training session against the Boland Cavaliers in hot and humid conditions in Wellington last week.

The wheels were set in motion for the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship tournament in Gqeberha from April 27 to May 9 when Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote named a training squad on Thursday. The event will feature the best young talent from SA, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, with big crowds expected to attend matches played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on three match days (April 27 and May 3 and 9). The squad will gather for a two-week camp in Stellenbosch from April 6 to 19 to prepare for the Gqeberha tournament. Sharks utility back Luan Giliomee, who recently made his international debut for the Blitzboks, has been named as a utility player. Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste, who, like Vusi Moyo, was also a member of last year’s successful Junior Bok side, was not considered for this training camp due to his URC commitments. Alongside their daily field and gym sessions in Stellenbosch, the Junior Boks will take part in two training chukkas against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, with a similar training drill planned against EP. Foote described the naming of the extended squad as another key step in the team’s build‑up, and said the recent tour to Georgia had been a critical part of their preparation. “Georgia gave us a great opportunity to play and grow together as a team and to test our set pieces against a formidable pack,” he said. “Our experience in Gqeberha in 2025 was that the surface can be soft underfoot, which led to several players cramping. “So, we want to ensure our fitness levels match how we intend to play, especially against teams who favour a fast‑paced game.” Junior Springbok training squad: Props: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Cecil Parson (Lions); Danie Kruger (Stormers), Kai Pratt (Sharks), Luan van der Berg (Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Bulls) Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Lions), Altus Rabe (Stormers) Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (Stormers), JD Hattingh (Lions), AJ Meyer (Stormers), Tom Barnard (Stormers) Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Luann Olivier (Sharks), Luke Canon (Lions), Thomas Beling (Bulls), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Sibusiso Mahlangu (Cheetahs), Bohlale Maphisa (Cheetahs), Gert Kemp (Stormers) Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), Jayden Brits (Stormers), Jandrian Goosen (Bulls) Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Alzeadon Felix (Sharks) Centres: Ethan Adams (Lions), Christian Vorster (Bulls), Winton Abrahams (CUT), Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers), Markus Muller (Stormers) Outside backs: Dylan Miller (Stormers), Junaide Stuart (Bulls), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Lindsey Jansen (Bulls), Jack Benade (Stormers), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Jade Muller (Cheetahs) Utility player: Luan Giliomee (Sharks) Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

A gruelling session against the seasoned Cavaliers provided a stark contrast to the Junior Boks’ previous training and international outings thus far.

Facing a side bolstered by Currie Cup, SA Cup and United Rugby Championship campaigners, the SA U20s were forced to adapt to a significantly higher physical and tactical threshold, in testing conditions.

“We want to leave for Gqeberha with the confidence that we have ticked the boxes we set for ourselves,” Currie said. “We will leave no stone unturned. This training block leading up to the Rugby Championship is vital.

“The Junior Boks went up against men in the Boland side who are household provincial names. The value for our guys is that there is no room for error. You must learn quickly because we are heading into our Test match season now.”

Currie said the transition from Varsity Cup intensity — following recent sessions against Maties and Ikeys — to training with a battle-hardened Carling Currie Cup Premier Division playoff contender like Boland provided the “tough hit-out” the group required.

Underlining the leap in physicality, the Junior Bok assistant coach said testing themselves against a seasoned provincial unit was essential for exposing the squad to the demands of what can expect at international level.

The Junior Boks will kick off their bid for glory at the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship with an opening match against Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on April 27. The SA versus Argentina game (4.10pm kickoff) is the late game in a double header, which also features an opening clash between New Zealand and Australia at 2pm on Freedom Day. The southern hemisphere’s next generation of superstars descend on Gqeberha for match days on April 27, May 3 and May 9 as the teams step up their preparations for the Junior World Championship in Georgia during June and July. Following last year’s tournament, the Junior Boks and New Zealand U20s went on to contest the final for the world crown, with captain Riley Norton’s team going on to take gold for SA. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said it was a feather in the cap of SA Rugby and the Eastern Cape to host the third instalment of this tournament for a second time. “Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” he said. “The Eastern Cape has a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base, and like last year, we expect good crowds to come to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to see the four teams in action across three double-header match days. “The combination of top-notch facilities at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and superb accommodation and training options, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the people of the Eastern Cape, will make this another memorable experience for everyone involved.” Sanzaar CEO Brendan Morris said: “Following the success of the tournament in Gqeberha last year, Sanzaar is pleased to announce that the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship will again head to South Africa this year. “Last year, New Zealand retained the title with an exhilarating 48-45 win over the hosts, South Africa. “The third edition of this important championship will again be played at the wonderful Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa go head-to-head over three rounds. “As in previous years, the tournament will provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition and provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials. Sanzaar sincerely thanks SA Rugby for its support of the Championship.” The U20 event is the second international rugby event headed to Gqeberha in the coming months, after it was announced that the Springboks will kick off their 2026 season against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 20. Tickets for the U20 Rugby Championship will be priced from R35 per person per day for two matches, and will be sold exclusively by Ticketmaster. Fixtures: April 27: 2pm: New Zealand v Australia, 4.10pm: Junior Boks v Argentina. May 3: 2pm: New Zealand v Argentina, 4.10pm: Junior Boks v Australia. May 9: 2pm Argentina v Australia, 4.10pm: Junior Boks v New Zealand. Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

Boland used the exercise as part of their preparations for important SA Cup clashes that lie ahead.

“We’ve brought in a number of youngsters to try and build depth going forward,” Currie said.

The current squad of 43 players will be trimmed down to 31 towards the end of next week before the Junior Boks head for the Eastern Cape for the Rugby Championship.

The event in Gqeberha will be the third edition of Sanzaar U20 tournament, and the second in a row to be staged at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

The Junior Boks will kick off their bid for glory a with an opening match against Argentina on April 27.

The SA vs Argentina game (4.10pm kickoff) is the late game in a double header, which also features an opening clash between New Zealand and Australia at 2pm on Freedom Day.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said it was a feather in the cap of SA Rugby and the Eastern Cape to host the third instalment of this tournament for a second time. “Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” he said.

Tickets for the U20 Rugby Championship will be priced from R35 per person per day for two matches, and will be sold exclusively by Ticketmaster.

Woodridge College has taken a significant step in strengthening its sporting structures with the appointment of Lusanda Badiyana as rugby consultant and Lutho Pohlongo as cricket consultant. Both bring a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the school, along with a shared vision of building sustainable, enjoyable and competitive programmes. Badiyana, who was born in East London, progressed through the Eastern Province academy system before captaining the Southern Kings in the Guinness Pro14 between 2019 and 2020. He has completed his World Rugby Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. Now fully focused on coaching, Badiyana said he was excited by the challenge at Woodridge. “For me it’s an exciting feeling to join the school and I’m looking forward to making a difference,” he said. “Over the past few years, Woodridge has battled with results, so it presents an exciting challenge to bring fresh ideas and energy into the rugby programme.” He believed the school had reached a plateau and required a new approach, with his primary goal being to reignite enthusiasm among the players. “The most exciting part is bringing back the enjoyment. “From working with the boys, you can see they want someone to invest in them and show real interest in their development,” he said. “We want to create an environment where anyone who wants to pursue rugby can do so at Woodridge.” Badiyana has already implemented structural changes, including introducing a proper pre-season programme and setting clear expectations from the start of the year. “For me, pride is the foundation. “If players take pride in representing their school, then discipline, commitment and standards will follow naturally,” he said. He is also focused on maintaining balance in the school environment. “While many schools are becoming more professional, it’s important not to lose the enjoyment factor. “Players need to make the most of their high school years and enjoy the game.” Pohlongo, meanwhile, arrives with extensive coaching credentials, including CSA Level 3 certification and 16 years of experience. He has served as director of cricket and first-team coach at Union High and Muir College, and spent three years coaching at Bishops in Cape Town. Having moved from Cape Town at the start of the year, Pohlongo said he had been encouraged by his early experiences at Woodridge. “It’s an exciting role and I’ve really enjoyed getting to understand the heartbeat of the school,” he said. “The buy-in from the players and parents has been very positive, which makes a big difference.” He acknowledged that there were areas that required attention, including player numbers and building a consistently competitive system, but believed the foundation was strong. “Woodridge has a proud cricket legacy and has invested in the sport. “While results may not always have reflected expectations, the base is there and we want to build on that.” Pohlongo’s approach centres on smarter training and preparing players for match situations. “We want to make sure our training replicates the pressure players will face in matches. “It’s about being deliberate in how we prepare, focusing on decision-making and helping players understand their roles,” he said. At the same time, he emphasises the importance of allowing players freedom on match days. “Training is where we put structure in place, but on Saturdays we want players to express themselves. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.” Like Badiyana, Pohlongo is also investing in grassroots development, working closely with younger players. “We’ve introduced a programme at the prep school to ensure strong fundamentals from an early age. “It’s about building skills progressively so that players are well prepared when they reach high school.” With two experienced consultants now in place, Woodridge College is optimistic about the future of both its rugby and cricket programmes, with a renewed focus on pride, development and enjoyment. The Herald

Fixtures

April 27:

• 2pm: New Zealand v Australia;
• 4.10pm: Junior Boks v Argentina.

May 3:

• 2pm: New Zealand v Argentina;
• 4.10pm: Junior Boks v Australia.

May 9:

• 2pm: Argentina v Australia;
• 4.10pm: Junior Boks v New Zealand.

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The Herald