Riley Norton to Lead Junior Springboks in SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship

Riley Norton has been named captain of the Junior Springbok squad for the third edition of SANZAAR’s Under-20 Rugby Championship, set to start on 27 April in Gqeberha. The announcement comes as South Africa prepares to defend its recent World Rugby U20 Championship title, which the Junior Boks won in Italy in July 2025.

Head coach Kevin Foote confirmed Norton’s leadership role, highlighting the inclusion of four members from the championship-winning side that defeated New Zealand 23-15 in Rovigo. Alongside Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Oliver Reid and Vusi Moyo retain their places in the squad, providing continuity and experience.

The selection process involved narrowing a training group of 43 players down to 31, with Foote praising the group’s response to increased intensity and fitness demands over the past two weeks of preparation in Stellenbosch. He emphasized that the squad is ready to meet the high-tempo style typical of southern hemisphere competition.

Several players from the SA U18 side have been promoted to the U20 squad, including Markus Muller, Ethan Adams (both centres), Gert Kemp (No 8), and Kai Pratt (prop). Additional reinforcements come from late additions Jaythen Orange and Olunje Mehlomakulu, who replaced injured players AJ Meyer and Christian Vorster. Luan Giliomee was also ruled out due to a training niggle.

Cheswill Jooste and Zekhethelo Siyaya were placed on standby, pending their commitments in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, along with Jade Muller and Akahluwa Boqwana.

Foote expressed pride in working with the age group, noting the players’ growth from December training to their current readiness. He described the squad as a special group of young athletes, reiterating his belief in their potential and the value of the journey they are undertaking together.

The Junior Springboks will open their SANZAAR U20 Championship campaign in Gqeberha on 27 April, aiming to build on their recent international success and continue developing the next generation of South African rugby talent.