SA Rugby reveals U16 EPD boys squad

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: SA Rugby has announced a 50-player Under-16 Elite Player Development (EPD) squad for 2026, with the country’s leading young rugby talent set to converge on Paarl later this month as part of the organisation’s continued commitment to strengthening South Africa’s national player pathway.

The selected players will attend the national camp at Boland Landbou from September 26 to October 2, where they will be exposed to a high-performance environment and undergo specialist coaching, player assessments and development interventions designed to support their long-term progression within the South African rugby system.

*Also read: SA Rugby unveils U16 girls EPD squad

The squad was selected following an extensive national talent identification process conducted in partnership with SA Rugby’s member unions and school rugby structures. Players were identified through provincial and national talent identification programmes during the season, with the final group reflecting both the depth and geographical spread of talent across the country.

SA Rugby’s Senior Manager: Development, Herman Masimla, said the EPD programme plays a vital role in broadening the national talent pool and ensuring promising players receive appropriate support at a key stage of their development.

“Our objective is not only to identify talented players, but also to create meaningful development opportunities that assist them in reaching their full potential,” said Masimla.

“The EPD programme allows us to expose these players to national standards and provides valuable insights into the areas where they can continue to grow.”

Masimla said the quality of the selected squad reflected the strong collaboration between SA Rugby and its member unions.

“The strength of this group is a testament to the excellent work being done by unions, schools and coaches throughout South Africa,” he said.

“We continue to see talented young players emerging from every corner of the country, which is extremely encouraging for the future of South African rugby.”

Masimla added that the camp would focus on both player assessment and education: “This is an important phase in the development journey. While performance on the field remains important, the camp is also an opportunity to educate players on the demands of the modern game and the standards required to progress through the national pathway.

SA Rugby extends its appreciation to all member unions, schools, educators, coaches and administrators who continue to invest in youth rugby development.”

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “The EPD programme is an important investment in the future of South African rugby. It provides talented young players with access to national standards, high-performance interventions and specialist support at a critical stage of their development.

“This camp brings together some of the country’s most promising young players and represents an important step in building the next generation of Springboks.”

SA Rugby U16 EPD Boys squad:

Border: Zac Roseleur (Stirling), Hlombe Dlani (Stirling), Uyintando Goso (Cambridge), Elam Bene (Ngangelizwe), Dian van Rooyen (Selborne College), Liqhawe Makatiwane (Dale College)

Blue Bulls: Lehakoe Mokoena (Pretoria Boys High), Gerrit du Plooy (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool), Mathlatsi Mabalani (Pretoria Boys High), Kean Meyer (Garsfontein), Dylan-Bardenhorst Schnetler (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool), Lian de Jager (Garsfontein), Heinrich Becker (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool)

Eastern Province: Carl Killian (Grey High), Curtley Deyce (Grey High), Nqaba Rwanqa (Grey High)

Free State: Leon Kruger (Grey College), Abrie von Willing (Fichardtpark), Tatum Kers (Grey College), Jayden Els (Grey College)

Griffons: Henre Rossouw (Welkom Gimnasium)

Golden Lions: Tendayi Chiyangwa (Monument), Kian Swart (Helpmekaar), Logan Pitzer (Helpmekaar), Cian Jonck (Helpmekaar), Ntsako Ngoveni (Jeppe), Connor De Matteis (King Edward VII)

Leopards: Nathan van Staden (Rustenburg), Wihan Strydom (Potchefstroom Gimnasium)

KwaZulu-Natal: Sphe Buthelezi (Maritzburg College), Langelihle Mthethwa (Michaelhouse), Mxolelwa Mtetwa (Westville), Lethuxolo Ntuli (Glenwood), Aphiwe Ntamo (Hilton College), Warona Modise (Durban High School), Xavier Jaftha (Hilton College), Liam Jacobs (Durban High School)

Southwestern Districts: Jordan Larson (Outeniqua), Aiden van Wyk (Outeniqua)

Valke: Bokang Mabina (Transvalia), Demeo Williams (Dr EG Jansen)

Western Province: Johan Schafer (Paarl Boys High), Shalom Tshamalenga (Paarl Boys High), Eben Lategan (Paarl Gimnasium), Rynhardt Vosloo (Durbanville), Robin Kabamba (Stellenberg), Zardus Coetzee (Durbanville), Lian van Zijl (Paarl Gimnasium), James Holm (Paul Roos Gymnasium), King-Carter Stoffels (Paul Roos Gymnasium), JP Immelman (Paul Roos Gymnasium), Dominique Brandt (Paul Roos Gymnasium), Raai’d Davids (Rondebosch), Logan Linnen (Rondebosch), Geshem Pietersen (Paul Roos Gymnasium), Zeke Finck (Paarl Gimnasium)