South Africa U20 squad named for Junior World Championship title defence

Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has unveiled his squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia that begins later this month.

The squad is tasked with defending the world title the 2025 squad won, and will have seven players from last year’s squad leading the charge again this year, including captain Riley Norton.

There are also 10 players selected in the 2026 squad who will remain eligible for U20 selection next year, including star centres Markus Muller and Ethan Adams.

The Junior Boks have emerged from games against Georgia and Fiji undefeated this year, and, along with their unbeaten U20 Rugby Championship campaign, bring high expectations into the global tournament.

“It was the most difficult decision for me and the fellow coaches,” coach Foote said of selecting the squad.

“Any one of those not selected would have done a great job for us in Georgia. It was the most difficult decision we had to make because of the quality of players and the calibre of young men we’ve had the privilege of working with during the past six months in our programme.”

There are 10 players named who are currently involved in the wider Springbok camp, and Cheswill Jooste’s inclusion in the squad has been disrupted by his involvement in the coming URC final with the Bulls.

“Our staff worked incredibly hard to get the young men ready for this championship, and credit must also go to the players who have given so much to us through their dedication and commitment,” Foote added.

“And then, of course, their provincial teams must be commended for their support and how they have prepared the players for us.

“Congratulations to everyone selected. They had to work incredibly hard and have delivered on everything that we’ve asked of them thus far.”

Foote also took a moment to mention the aspiring players who were not selected.

“There were numerous positions where it was very tight, and where several players knocked really hard on the door.

“In the end, you can only take the allowed number of players to Georgia, which meant heartbreak for several of them. We all feel for those young men; they will be hurting, and we are thankful for their fantastic attitude, hard work, and dedication.

“We will play to the best of our ability for our country and especially for them, and we hope to make everyone proud.”

Junior Boks 2026 World Junior Championship squad

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls)

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Stormers), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers), Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)*

Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers)

Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Centres: Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers)

Outside and utility backs: Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers)*, Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)

* Final inclusion pending the availability of players currently on senior duty.