Siya Kolisi inspires Junior Boks ahead of U20 Rugby Championship opener
Siya Kolisi has helped inspire the Junior Springboks ahead of their 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship opener against Argentina's Los Pumitas on Monday.
Mahle Sithole called up as injured Siphosethu Mnebelele exits Junior Bok squad
Mnebelele, a member of the 2025 Junior World Championship-winning squad, sustained an ankle injury late last week in Stellenbosch.
Sithole, a regular member of recent SA U20 training squads, represented the SA U18s in 2024 and toured Europe with the SA U19s late last year.
Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote said: "Injuries are unfortunately part of the game, and we want to wish Esethu well with his recovery. He is one of our leaders in the group and has a lot of experience of the Junior Bok set-up.
"However, his injury now given Mahle a great chance to showcase his abilities, and I am sure he is excited about his call up."
The squad arrived in Gqeberha on Sunday evening and will spend the week sharpening their preparations for next Monday's highly anticipated opening clash with Argentina.
"The people of the Friendly City are passionate rugby supporters, and we are looking forward to connecting with them during our stay here in Gqeberha," said Foote.
"We are all excited to be here and are looking forward to the week's training and our participation against the best teams in the southern hemisphere."
U20 Rugby Championship returns to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The SANZAAR Rugby Championship U20 will return to Gqeberha next month, with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina set to compete at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium from 27 April to 9 May.
Junior Boks draw key positives from emphatic win over Georgia
The Junior Springboks sent an early statement ahead of their 2026 campaign with a commanding 35-0 victory over Georgia Under-20 in Tbilisi on Sunday, powered by a dominant set piece and resolute defence.
Junior Bok star Haashim Pead secures long-term future with Lions
The Lions have strengthened their ranks for the coming years by securing the signature of Junior Springbok scrum-half Haashim Pead on a contract running until 2028.