The Junior Springboks are packing their thermals and their ambition in equal measure as head coach Kevin Foote named an intriguing 31-man squad for a brutal three-match tour of Georgia later this month, blending world championship pedigree with raw, untested talent in a calculated gamble aimed at defending their global crown.
Four survivors from last year’s triumphant Junior World Championship campaign headline the travelling party that departs for Tbilisi on Sunday, 15 February, with sub-zero temperatures and two internationals against a physical Georgian side awaiting them in what Foote has labelled the perfect test for his squad’s resilience.
The SA Rugby U20 squad will endure freezing conditions and fierce opposition before returning home on 28 February, with every scrum, every lineout, and every tackle forming the foundation for their title defence in June and July – ironically, also in Georgia.
Championship DNA meets fresh blood
Riley Norton, the lock who captained the Junior Boks to World Rugby U20 glory in Italy last year, will once again lead from the front. Joining him from the Class of 2025 are loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, and hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, the quartet providing crucial continuity and championship experience.
But Foote hasn’t simply recycled last year’s formula. Instead, he’s injected promising talent from the undefeated SA U18 campaign of 2024, whilst also playing the long game by including several players who remain eligible for 2027 selection.
The most eye-catching inclusion is Luan Giliomee, who made his Blitzbok debut in Singapore before helping the Springbok Sevens claim the HSBC SVNS Perth title. The dual-code flyhalf brings X-factor and versatility, alongside fellow 2027-eligible prospects Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, and Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Stellenbosch Camp delivers clarity
The selection follows an intensive three-week preparation camp in Stellenbosch that concluded last Friday, with high-tempo training matches against FNB Varsity Cup heavyweights Maties and UCT providing the acid test for Foote’s blueprint.
“We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” said Foote.
The coach emphasised that this tour represents the opening chapter in the Junior Boks’ 2026 campaign, with every training session, every team meeting, and every fixture building towards their ultimate goal, defending the world crown.
The Georgian gauntlet
For the second tour to Georgia in as many years, the Junior Boks face a unique challenge that extends beyond the rugby pitch. Sub-zero temperatures and snow are predicted during their stay in Tbilisi, forcing the South Africans to adapt rapidly to hostile conditions whilst maintaining their trademark physicality and set-piece dominance.
“Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” Foote explained. “We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.
“They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”
The hosts will field a battle-hardened side built on forward power and confrontational defence, precisely the type of opposition that will test whether South Africa’s young guns possess the mettle required for championship rugby.
The long game
Foote made no secret of his dual mandate: win now, build for tomorrow.
“We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby,” he said. “This tour is a vital step in that regard.”
The strategy has already claimed casualties. Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre), and Alzeadon Felix (fullback) picked up niggles during camp and weren’t considered for selection, whilst Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) continues his rehabilitation. All four remain in South Africa to focus on recovery ahead of the forthcoming U20 Rugby Championship in April and May.
Speedy wing Cheswill Jooste, another member of the championship-winning squad, is currently on Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty with the Vodacom Bulls and is expected to rejoin the Junior Bok fold later in the season.
Tough calls
Narrowing down the squad proved agonising for the coaching staff, with several players pushing hard for inclusion.
“The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party,” Foote admitted. “Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship.”
With three fixtures scheduled – a warm-up against Lelo Saracens on 18 February followed by internationals against Georgia U20 on 22 and 27 February – the Junior Boks will need to adapt quickly, execute ruthlessly, and embrace the brutal conditions.
The pathway to defending their world crown runs straight through the ice and snow of Tbilisi. Time to see which of Foote’s young charges have the fire to thrive in the freeze.
Junior Springbok Squad for Georgia:
Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province)
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions)
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions)
Loose Forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Western Province), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province)
Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls)
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province)
Outside Backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls)
SA U20 Tour Fixtures (all matches in Tbilisi, Georgia):
Wednesday, 18 February
SA U20 vs Lelo Saracens
Sunday, 22 February
SA U20 vs Georgia U20
Friday, 27 February
SA U20 vs Georgia U20
