Junior Springboks Prepare for Australia U20 Challenge in Rugby Championship
Gqeberha, South Africa – The Junior Springboks are gearing up for their first match of the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship against Argentina’s Los Pumitas on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This competition features the best young talent from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.
Norton to Captain the Side
Riley Norton, who previously captained the SA U20s to victory in the 2025 Junior World Championship in Italy, will lead the team against Argentina. He will be supported by Rambo Kubheka (prop), also a 2025 JWC winner, in the starting lineup. Oliver Reid (prop) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) are set to make an impact from the bench.
Blend of Experience and New Talent
The Junior Boks’ squad includes players with experience from past campaigns, as well as promising players who excelled with the SA U18 team last year. Vusi Moyo returns to the team after recovering from a hip injury that kept him sidelined during the tour to Georgia earlier in the year.
Varsity Cup Recognition
Jack Benade, a wing from FNB UCT, has been selected for the team following his strong performance in the recently concluded FNB Varsity Cup. He will be joined on the wings by Lindsey Jansen.
Midfield Adjustments
Due to Markus Muller’s call-up to the DHL Stormers camp, Ethan Adams will start at inside centre, partnering with Samuel Badenhorst on the outside.
Match Details
The match against Argentina is scheduled to kick off at 16h10 local time and will follow the tournament opener between Australia and New Zealand at 14h00. The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Junior Springboks’ History
The South Africa national under-20 rugby union team, also known as the Junior Boks or Baby Boks, has been competing in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship since its inception in 2008. They have won the championship in 2012 and 2025. The team was founded in 2008 and is managed by SA Rugby. Mark Alexander is the Chairman, and Rassie Erasmus serves as the Director of Rugby, with Kevin Foote as the current coach.