The Junior Springboks have unveiled their 31-player roster for the debut U20 Rugby Championship in Australia next month, featuring a notable presence of Western Province talent. Nhleko’s team is poised to make an impact.
The squad includes nine players from Western Province, showcasing the depth of the region’s rugby development program. Notable selections include prop Zachary Porthen, hooker CJ Erasmus, lock Adam de Waal, and loose-forward Divan Fuller. The team also includes scrumhalf Asad Moos, centres Bruce Sherwood and Joshua Boulle, and outside backs JC Mars and Joel Leotlela.
This representation emphasizes the strength of Western Province’s youth development efforts. Additionally, the squad features five players who participated in last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship, helping South Africa secure third place. These players are Porthen, lock JF van Heerden, Moos, and centres Jurenzo Julius and Litelihle Bester, who all played in the tournament hosted in the Western Cape.
Head coach Bafana Nhleko commented on the challenges ahead: “The three matches will be a true test of our group’s character and skill set. The players have responded well during training camps, and now the focus is on performance and learning in the intense environment of Test matches.”
The U20 Rugby Championship serves as a new venture among Sanzaar member unions, aimed at showcasing emerging rugby talents from South Africa, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia.
The Junior Springboks have assembled a powerful forward lineup for the championship, including Casper Badenhorst, Liyema Ntshanga, Mbasa Maqubela, Reno Hirst, Ruan Swart, and Zachary Porthen vying for front row positions. The hooker options include CJ Erasmus, Ethan Bester, and Juan Smal, who will strengthen the set-piece play. The locks, Adam de Waal, JF van Heerden, and Thomas Dyer, bring robustness and lineout expertise.
The back row features a diverse group with Bathobele Hlekani, Divan Fuller, and Keanu Coetsee supported by Sibabalwe Mahashe, Thabang Mphafi, and Tiaan Jacobs, ensuring depth and flexibility.
The backline is equally dynamic, with scrum-halves Asad Moos, Ezekiel Ngubane, and Hassiem Pead providing sharp, efficient service to flyhalves Thurlon Williams and Tylor Sefoor. The centre duo of Bruce Sherwood and Joshua Boulle, alongside the experienced Jurenzo Julius and Litelihle Bester, complemented by the promising Philip-Albert van Niekerk, will challenge defenses. Wingers JC Mars, Joel Leotlela, and Michail Damon add speed, strength, and scoring prowess to the Junior Springboks’ offense.
With such a well-rounded and talented team, the Junior Springboks are set to compete vigorously in the U20 Rugby Championship, laying the groundwork for future triumphs at higher levels.
