The Junior Springboks have widened their selection net ahead of the forthcoming U20 International Series, naming an expanded training squad packed with returning firepower, rising talent and long-term promise as they prepare to face Chile, Fiji and Georgia in the Western Cape.
Like a master flyhalf probing every blade of grass before launching an attack, Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote and his management team have assembled a group designed to strengthen depth while keeping one eye fixed firmly on next year’s Junior World Championship.
Several familiar faces return after injury setbacks kept them out of South Africa’s victorious U20 Rugby Championship campaign in Gqeberha. Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp and Pieter van der Merwe are all back in the fold, bringing valuable experience and added steel to the squad.
Four injured players are back in the #JuniorBoks squad for the U20 International Series that kicks off later this month in Cape Town – full squad here: https://t.co/vus7g8z3YD 🥳#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/nf3xLgNhsM
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 15, 2026
Loose forward Quintin Potgieter is the only fresh addition after impressing in recent structures and now earns an opportunity to stake his claim in Junior Bok colours.
The first wave of players will report to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on 18 May, while a second contingent, including players who carried a heavy workload during the recent championship, will join a week later after being granted additional recovery time.
Foote said the series presents a valuable platform to test combinations and broaden the player pool.
“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 Junior Bok mentor explained that the squad selection was driven by both immediate goals and long-term succession planning, with South Africa determined to remain competitive while continuing to grow future depth for the 2027 cycle.
“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,” Foote added.
The three-match series will also help manage the workload of several established players while easing injured returnees back into the system.
Regular captain Riley Norton and versatile back Zekhethelo Siyaya, both recently included in the Springbok alignment camp, are unavailable for the opening two matches. Midfielder Markus Muller and Vodacom Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste were ruled out due to injury.
The matches will be staged at schools around Cape Town, with SA Rugby set to confirm the final fixtures shortly. All games will be streamed live on the SA Rugby YouTube channel.
Junior Bok squad
Players assembling on 18 May
Forwards:
Jordan Jooste, Kai Pratt, Mahle Sithole, Altus Rabe, Luan van der Berg, Bongani Dlamini, Jaythen Orange, JD Hattingh, Thomas Beling, Risima Khosa, Quintin Potgieter, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp.
Backs:
Jayden Brits, Jandrian Goosen, Vusi Moyo, Luan Giliomee, Jordan Steenkamp, Lindsey Jansen, Pieter van der Merwe, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Christian Vorster, Jade Muller, Junaide Stuart, Akahluwa Boqwana, Alzeadon Felix.
Players assembling on 25 May
Forwards:
Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk, Danie Kruger, Heinrich Theron, Riley Norton, Kebotile Maake, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera.
Backs:
Hendré Schoeman, Yaqeen Ahmed, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Ethan Adams, Samuel Badenhorst, Jack Benade, Zekhethelo Siyaya.
