Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote has named Siphosethu Mnebelele as South Africa U20s captain for the upcoming Junior World Championship in Georgia.
The hooker takes over the leadership position after usual captain Riley Norton was named in Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks squad for the Nations Championship matches against England, Scotland and Wales.
Erasmus has also called up fly-half Vusi Moyo, which has forced another change for Foote, as has the injury to Zekhethelo Siyaya.
Changes to the South Africa u20s team
Utility forward Thomas Beling has been drafted into the squad as Norton’s replacement, while winger Cheswill Jooste has replaced Moyo after wrapping up his involvement in the United Rugby Championship with the Bulls.
Meanwhile, winger Akahluwa Boqwana has been drafted into the touring party as a replacement for Siyaya after sustaining a facial injury in the South Africa ‘A’ clash against Zimbabwe at the weekend. The utility back caught a stray boot to the face, which also resulted in a concussion. He joins prop Kai Pratt on the list of injured players who are not available for the tournament.
The Junior Boks who featured for the SA ‘A’ side in Gqeberha – Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger (props); Mnebelele and Liam van Wyk (hookers); Yaqeen Ahmed (fly-half/centre); Luan Giliomee (utility back); and Markus Muller (centre) – rejoined the SA U20 squad in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
SA Rugby have also confirmed that Ahmed has been handed a two-match suspension after his yellow card was upgraded to a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle against Zimbabwe.
“Everyone in the Junior Bok setup is delighted for Riley and Vusi, and we wish them well for the Nations Championship,” Junior Bok boss Foote said, congratulating Norton and Moyo on their Springbok selection.
“It is every young player’s dream to represent the Springboks, and they thoroughly deserve their opportunity.”
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Foote also praised the players who were involved in the 40-0 win over Zimbabwe: “They made us proud with their performances. Their involvement in Gqeberha shows that we are on track in preparing the next generation of South African internationals.
“Injuries and call-ups to senior honours are part of the game. Fortunately, we planned for these scenarios, and the players brought into the squad are well integrated into our environment and game model. We are confident in our preparation and excited for the challenge ahead.”
Fixtures
South Africa’s title defence in Georgia from 27 June to 18 July with the squad featuring Reid and Rambo Kubheka (props), Mnebelele (hooker), Jooste (wing), and Alzeadon Felix (full-back) who were all part of the Junior Bok squad that won the title in Italy last year.
The Junior Boks have been drawn in Pool A alongside Wales, Georgia and Uruguay and will be based in Tbilisi for the pool phase. South Africa open their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on Saturday, 27 June, followed by fixtures against Georgia (2 July) and Wales (7 July).
The play-offs will take place on 12 and 13 July, with the final placement matches scheduled for 17 July, and the bronze final and final on 18 July. The Junior Bok squad will depart for Georgia from Cape Town on Monday afternoon.
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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 (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 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).
Utility forward: Thomas Beling (Vodacom Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers).
Flyhalf: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers).
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), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).