Late setback for Junior Boks ahead of campaign opener
SQUAD UPDATE: The Junior Springboks suffered a late setback ahead of their Under-20 Rugby Championship campaign.
The Junior Boks made an injury-forced change to their squad, with hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele replaced by Mahle Sithole for the tournament, which kicks off at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Monday, April 27.
Mnebelele, a member of the 2025 Junior World Championship-winning squad, sustained an ankle injury late last week in Stellenbosch.
Sithole, a regular member of recent SA U20 training squads, represented the SA Under-18s in 2024 and toured Europe with the SA Under-19s late last year.
Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said: “Injuries are unfortunately part of the game, and we want to wish Esethu well with his recovery.
“He is one of our leaders in the group and has a lot of experience with the Junior Bok set-up.
“However, his injury has now given Mahle a great chance to showcase his abilities, and I am sure he is excited about his call-up.”
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The Junior Boks arrived in Gqeberha on Sunday evening and will spend the week sharpening their preparations for next Monday’s highly anticipated opening clash against Argentina.
“The people of the Friendly City are passionate rugby supporters, and we are looking forward to connecting with them during our stay here in Gqeberha,” said Foote.
“We are all excited to be here and are looking forward to the week’s training and our participation against the best teams in the southern hemisphere.”
Junior Springbok squad for the U20 Rugby Championship – revised:
Props: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Danie Kruger (Stormers), Kai Pratt (Sharks).
Hookers: Mahle Sithole (Lions), Liam van Wyk (Sharks).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, Stormers), JD Hattingh (Lions), Jaythen Orange (Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (VBulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Luke Canon (Lions), Thomas Beling (Bulls), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Gert Kemp (Stormers).
Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), Jayden Brits (Stormers).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Sharks).
Centres: Ethan Adams (Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers), Markus Muller (Stormers), Olunje Mehlomakulu (Stormers).
Outside backs: Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Lindsey Jansen (Bulls), Jack Benade (Stormers), Jade Muller (Cheetahs)*, Akahluwa Boqwana (Bulls)*, Alzeadon Felix (Sharks), Cheswill Jooste (Bulls)*, Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)*.