Luan Giliomee back as Junior Boks name strong training squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Exciting Sharks playmaker Luan Giliomee headlines the returning names in the latest SA Under-20 training squad ahead of the upcoming International Series against Chile, Fiji and Georgia.

Giliomee is among several key Junior Bok players back in contention after missing the recent U20 Rugby Championship through injury, alongside Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp and Pieter van der Merwe.

The first group of players will assemble at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on Monday, 18 May, while several squad members who featured heavily during the successful U20 Rugby Championship campaign in Gqeberha have been granted an additional week’s rest.

The squad includes players involved in the previous Junior Bok training camps, the tour to Georgia and the victorious Rugby Championship campaign, while loose forward Quintin Potgieter has been added as a fresh face.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said the group selection reflects the balance between preparing a competitive side and continuing to build depth ahead of the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Foote added that the upcoming series would provide the coaching staff with an important opportunity to rotate players and assess combinations across several positions as they continue shaping the next generation of South African rugby talent.

“We are looking to freshen up the squad, give players opportunities in certain positions and allow them to put their hands up for Junior World Championship selection,” said Foote. “It is an important balance between managing the group in the present and continuing to build for the future.”

The SA U20 coach added that the squad has been selected with both the immediate and longer term in mind, with the Junior Boks intent on maintaining their growth and cohesion, remaining competitive, and broadening the player base with both this year’s JWC and the 2027 cycle in mind.

“This tournament will provide valuable game time for players who may not have featured regularly during the recent U20 Rugby Championship, while also creating opportunities for younger squad members to continue their development within the Junior Bok environment,” said Foote.

Furthermore, the three-match series also provides an opportunity to manage the workloads of several established players, while integrating the return of others who did not play in the U20 Rugby Championship due to injury or their involvement in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Regular captain Riley Norton (lock) and Zekhethelo Siyaya (utility back), who were recently included in the Springbok alignment camp squad, are unavailable for the first two matches.

Midfielder Markus Muller, who recently made his Stormers debut, and Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste were not considered due to injuries.

The match days will be hosted at schools in and around Cape Town, with final fixtures to be confirmed in due course.

Junior Bok squad to assemble in Stellenbosch on May: 18

Forwards: Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Kai Pratt (Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Lions), Altus Rabe (Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Lions), JD Hattingh (Lions), Thomas Beling (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Quintin Potgieter (Stormers), Vuyo Gwiji (Lions), Gert Kemp (Stormers).

Backs: Jayden Brits (Stormers), Jandrian Goosen (Bulls), Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (Stormers), Lindsey Jansen (Sharks), Pieter van der Merwe (Bulls), Olunje Mehlomakulu (Stormers), Christian Vorster (Bulls), Jade Muller (CUT), Junaide Stuart (Bulls), Akahluwa Boqwana (Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Lions).

Squad members to assemble in Stellenbosch on May 25:

Forwards: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Sharks), Danie Kruger (Stormers), Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (Stormers), Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Luke Cannon (Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks).

Backs: Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Ethan Adams (Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers), Jack Benade (Stormers), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks).

Source @SARugby