UPDATED – SQUAD REDUCED FROM 36 TO 30 PLAYERS
The 36-man squad will assemble at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sports (SAS) next Wednesday (22 October 2025), before heading to Europe a week later, where they will play two matches in France and one game in Ireland.
The u19 Academy programme is the front-runner project towards the selection of the official Junior Bok squad, who will play in the U20 Rugby Championship before defending their world crown in Georgia next year – at the World Rugby u20 Championships.
| # | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | SA u18 | SA SCH/Y-WK |
| 1 | PR-L | Oliver Reid | 1 of 3 Paul Roos | 1 of 7 WP | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 2 | PR-L | Phiwayinkosi Khubeka | 1 of 1 Maritzburg College | 1 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 3 | PR-L | Aphiwe Shelembe | 1 of 1 Michaelhouse | 1 of 9 Bulls | Sharks CW 2024 | |
| 4 | PR-T | Ulrich vd Merwe | 1 of 1 Helpmekaar | 2 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 2024 | Lions CW 2024 |
| 5 | PR-T | Danie Kruger | 1 of 4 Grey College | 2 of 7 WP | Bulls CW 2024 | |
| 6 | HK | Esethu Mnebelele | 1 of 3 KES | 2 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 2024 | SA SCH 2024 |
| 7 | HK | Mahle Sithole | 1 of 3 Durban HS | 1 of 6 Lions | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 8 | HK | Liam van Wyk | 2 of 4 Grey College | 3 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| 9 | LK | Heinrich Theron | 3 of 4 Grey College | 3 of 9 Bulls | FS CW 2024 | |
| 10 | LK | Riley Norton | 2 of 3 Paul Roos | 3 of 7 WP | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 11 | LK | JD Hattingh | 1 of 2 Affies | 2 of 6 Lions | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| 12 | LK | Tom Barnard | 1 of 2 Rondebosch | 4 of 7 WP | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| 13 | LF | Risima Khosa | 1 of 2 Jeppe | 3 of 6 Lions | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| 14 | LF | Adan da Costa | 1 of 1 Wynberg | 5 of 7 WP | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 15 | N8 | Kebotile Maake | 2 of 3 KES | 4 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 16 | N8 | Vuyo Gwiji | 1 of 1 Northwood | 4 of 6 Lions | SA Sch 2024 | |
| 17 | N8 | Reuben Kruger | 3 of 3 Paul Roos | 6 of 7 WP | SA u18 2024 | |
| 18 | SH | Brooklyn Newman | 1 of 1 Garsfontein | 5 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 A 2024 | |
| 19 | SH | Elgernon Meyer | 1 of 1 Outeniqua | 5 of 6 Lions | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 20 | FH | Vusi Moyo | 3 of 3 KES | 4 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 21 | FH | Luan Giliomee | 1 of 1 Charlie Hofmeyr | 5 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 A 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| 22 | CT-I | Pieter vd Merwe | 4 of 4 Grey College | 6 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 23 | CT-I | Janco Purchase | 2 of 2 Affies | 6 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 24 | CT-O | Gregan Jansen | 1 of 1 Duineveld | 7 of 8 Sharks | SA Sch A 2024 | |
| 25 | WG | Khuthadzo Rasivhaga | 2 of 2 Jeppe | 8 of 8 Sharks | SA u18 A 2024 | |
| 26 | CT-O | Adriano Jackson | 2 of 3 Durban HS | 6 of 6 Lions | ||
| 27 | WG | Lindsey Jansen | 1 of 1 Noordheuwel | 7 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 28 | FB | Unathi Mlotshwa | 1 of 1 Westville | 8 of 9 Bulls | Sharks CW 2024 | |
| 29 | FB | Dylan Miller | 2 of 2 Rondebosch | 7 of 7 WP | Lions CW 2024 | |
| 30 | FB | Akahluwa Boqwana | 3 of 3 Durban HS | 9 of 9 Bulls | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch A 2024 |
| NOT SELECTED | ||||||
| 1 | PR-T | Henry du Plessis | Paul Roos | WP | WP CW 2024 | |
| 2 | LK | James Schnetler | Garsfontein | Lions | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 3 | LF | Luke Cannon | Jeppe | Lions | Lions AW 2024 | |
| 4 | LF | Bohlala Mapisa | Maritzburg College | Cheetahs | ||
| 5 | SH | Adeeb Boraine | Paul Roos | WP | SA u18 2024 | SA Sch 2024 |
| 6 | CT-O | Samuel Badenhorst | Paul Roos | WP | SA u18 A 2024 |
@Meesh N (Comment #19)
I agree with you regarding the X-factor component of this year’s u20 team, which, coupled with the tempo they produced in very hot conditions, made them a nightmare to deal with. It will be hard to replicate that success in 2026.
Like many others around here, I’ve watched the Baby Boks at the JWC for many years now. I’ve always felt that the England teams are physically more developed at u20 level than our boys — they’ve often filled out like pros in their 20s. When France started taking the JWC seriously in the lead-up to hosting the senior Rugby World Cup, they too began producing some monster-sized players who were difficult to handle.
I don’t want to dismiss the other ingredients for success — talent, skill, teamwork — but at age-group level, if all other things are equal, size matters a lot on the rugby field. England and France offer similar pathways to teenagers: both have numerous competitive professional teams and depend on preparing young players early to fill those squads. By consequence, their teens have to get their bodies up to senior size a lot sooner.
In South Africa, with fewer tier-one professional opportunities and a much greater stockpile of players, there isn’t nearly the same need to “feedlot” school leavers to the size of senior pros. They do get there — but the pathway is a longer one, and probably a better one, as it allows them to grow into their bodies more naturally.
It’s not the only factor, of course. Our junior rugby structures could be improved, and selection targets could perhaps be relaxed to provide more options. But the bottom line is that the size and power difference does make it harder for South African teams to enjoy the same kind of consistent success at u20 level.
Like Snelvuur said, the lack of exposure at junior provincial level is astonishing! With that being said it’s a bit tough to keep track of some of the young lads, for example I thought a player like Kurt Coetzee, whom I rated highly as a schoolboy & thought to be really ready for the next level, would be in the mix yet he is being played out at centre by a bloke I thought to be a winger.
Granted a lot may happen in 16 odd months development wise, but shocked not to hear his name being thrown around.
Really happy for a player like Unathi Mlotshwa, a very skilled winger/fullback who was formerly a flyhalf, so he would bring plenty of skills & a great kicking option into the back three should he be in the final squad.
We don’t have quite the fire power as we had this year (as a collective) but I’m certain we have more than enough to go all the way again!
U/19 FINAL SCORE
@Snelvuur (Comment #16)
Siyaya’s defense is why I would start him out (and listed him) at wing.
Felix though remains my main anomaly. I don’t know what to make of him still.
@Bungee (Comment #15)
Could well see us “big and tall” all across the loose trio to compensate for the lack of a genuine 6. WP u19 is fielding a 6, 7, 8 of Da Costa, Norton and Kruger tomorrow. As Clubber Lang said, “I predict pain.” Kemp could actually mount a challenge as a 6 too – he played there a lot for PRG, played there for WP too.
The reason I like Pratt over Proppies and Jooste is that Pratt is a much better technical scrummer from what I can see – that should translate better to a higher level. But I agree, the only way he gets in is if one accepts Rambo as the swinger in the squad, which I wouldn’t do. Does leave the door ajar for someone that can swing though.
My only concern with Siyaya is his defence and, in particular, his defensive technique. Often goes into contact very high, and he was sometimes exposed in the SA u18 series. I like him a lot as a player and his ceiling is stratospheric, but that’s his work-on. At FB, I might (I emphasise might) have Boqwana over him for this reason *for now*. The wing battle also kind of depends on the type of game we want to play – if we want to kick loads of contestables, I think Steenkamp will definitely be in the mix – he is really an excellent kick chaser.
I rate Rabe extremely, extremely highly. They just mustn’t make the same mistake they made with Brits – don’t use him as you would use any other hooker. Put him in the wider channels and allow him to use his excellent feet, hands and pace to burn. He offers something no other hooker has offered in quite a few years at this level. And his lineout throwing is excellent too (plus he has a great connection there with Norton and Meyer, who should be the two primary jumpers next year). I think it’s unlikely that Sithole gets in over Van Wyk though. Van Wyk is a good, solid hooker, I just think he’s going to be edged by Rabe based on the fact that I think Rabe is quite special.
@beet (Comment #12)
In terms of Maake and Gwiji, like us all, I can unfortunately not speak of what I’ve seen of them this year, but I’ve heard they have both played excellently. Both also cover 6/8, and if my memory serves me right, 6 flank has not been the strongest position the last 2 seasons of school boy rugby.
@beet (Comment #12)
You must be something special to make the team as a u19 in my opinion.
My prediction of Rabe over van Wyk is because I see him in the Schalk Brits/Deon Fourie mold of hooker and flanker, so van Wyk competing more with Sithole in my predicted squad. As Mnebelele played 70mins+ most games (even doing 80 once), I see Rabe is the permanent bench hooker, and Sithole switching in for the one game rest they will give Mnebelele.
I believe all three of Jooste, v/d Berg and Pratt will be in the mix in 2027, but the LH-side is stacked next year which makes v/d Berg’s shot the best for next year out of the three.
Meyer outshone Theron for me in Theron’s matric year already, so believe he is capable of doing it again.
Kemp proved himself in the SA Schools jersey over and over again.
Markus Muller and Siyaya were the two best schoolboy players this year, both capable of changing/winning the game on their own. I would however use Siyaya on the wing at first, then for the year after shift to 15.
I mentioned Ruben Groenewald as well earlier, but mainly because he makes me calm and confident in the same manner as Moyo.
@Bungee (Comment #7)
Sorry and also Siyaya as an u19. I think with his talent, vision and skills he will definitely be a player SARU will like to give opportunities to see how high his ceiling lies. Boqwana was one of my favourite KZN players to watch in his matric year but I think if Siyaya is fit he probably gets the nod.
@Bungee (Comment #7)
I really like your u19 player picks in the pack. I think to myself if there are two players who look like they can comfortably make the step up and be counted its Luan vd Berg and AJ Meyer. I also recall the Boishaai game when Jayden Joubert played blindside flank and thought wow here is player who fit that role after school.
Its extremely hard to comment without having watched but I think Altus will have to work hard to overtake Liam van Wyk.
I also remember Maake for being incredibly strong but not very tall. I thought perhaps he is one of the of those players who would have to switch to hooker for longevity in the sport. Vuyo Gwiji on the other hand has a much bigger frame and sort of more the size of player you’d expect to see on the side of the scrum. However I can’t dismiss what a good job Xola Nyali did for this year’s team at the JWC. Xola was a super SBR player and move lively than Maake but if Maake can bring that same sort of intensity, he will be fine
I’m not sure if this helps with formulating a squad. Two different years, two different coaches, two different squad compositions.
@Bungee (Comment #9)
Might actually be tempted to go Steenkamp then rather than both Boqwana and Siyaya. Excellent finisher.
@Snelvuur (Comment #8)
Unless you going for both Boqwana and Siyaya, you are a player short.
I know you are not a fan of Felix (same though) but I believe he was called up to the squad this year as an unjury replacement, so I do believe he will have the inside track to at least making the squad.
@Bungee (Comment #7)
The make-up of the squad last year was: 5 props, 2 hookers, 4 locks, 6 loosies, 3 scrumhalves, 2 flyhalves, 4 centres and 4 outside backs. Reckon they’ll stick with much the same formula, save for a few more versatile guys that might give them more wiggle room. My squad (not sure about the target requirements) would be:
Props: Reid, Khubeka, Van der Merwe and then two out of Henry du Plessis, Pratt, Aidan Botha and Proppies. Think Pratt is the most ready for the next level of the u18s, but that would require Rambo to swing, and you probably want him rather to focus on being the second LH.
Hookers: Mnebelele and Rabe
Locks: Norton, Schnetler, Meyer, Theron, Hattingh (also covers 7)
Loosies: Da Costa, Cannon, Kemp, Maake, Kruger
SH: Boraine, Newman, Brits
FH: Moyo, Ahmed (also covers 12)
CT: PvdM (12), Badenhorst (12 and 13 and wing), Muller (13)
Outside Backs: Jooste, Rashivaga, Giliomee (also covers 10), Siyaya/Boqwana
@Bungee (Comment #1)
All in All, my way to early prediction for a 30-man u20 WC:
1. Oliver Reid – Rambo Khubeka
2. Esuthu Mnebelele – Mahle Sithole – Altus Rabe
3. Ulrich van der Merwe – Luan van der Berg – Henry du Plessis (swing prop)
4/5. Riley Norton – AJ Meyer – Tom Barnard – James Schnetler
Loosies. Luke Cannon – Adan da Costa – Vuyo Gwiji – Gert Kemp – Kebotile Maake
9. Adeeb Boraine – Elgernon Meyer
10. Vusi Moyo – Luan Giliomee
12. Pieter v/d Merwe – Samuel Badenhorst
13. Markus Miller – Gregan Jansen
15. Dylan Miller – Alzeadon Felix
Wings. Cheswill Jooste – Zekhethelo Siyaya – Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
@beet (Comment #4)
I think it’s ridiculous that the games aren’t shown. Have a look at how big junior soccer is in Europe – it will be much the same with the junior rugby here. It will also make it more difficult for the Ooms to argue that “so and so” should have been in the u20 team because he played well at school, because now everyone can see their games at this level.
@Snelvuur (Comment #3)
Not going to lie, you saying Mnebelele is a lock really confused me for a moment
@Snelvuur (Comment #3)
Nice post Snelvuur. What are your feelings about broadcast exposure at this level. Should the public be given more access to games? Or does it work better for all involved to just keep it humble and keep the hunger there to make the step up to senior level which comes with attached rewards?
@Bungee (Comment #1)
I’d be surprised if they get another prop – especially a loosehead – from the u19 comp, especially with Pratt, Jooste and Proppies coming through from the u18s. Henry du Plessis has also mainly been used at loosehead for WP u19 (even though he also played TH for the u21s), so him and Rambo are probably the swing options.
At hooker, Mnebelele is a lock and I think it’s going to be a shootout between Van Wyk and Rabe for the second spot. Not sure Sithole’s quite as good as the other two.
Not sure what Cosmo’s been like for the u19s, but he was good in the one game he played for the Bulls u21 (at least statistically). But that looseforward field is so stacked. E.g., Luke Cannon, who hadn’t been on my radar previously, had an absolutely barnstorming u21 comp. He made 29 (yes, twenty-nine) tackles in the semi-final against WP and averages more than 8m per carry in the comp this year. Staggeringly good numbers. Glad to see Reuben Kruger there – really rate him a lot. Not sure what the position is with Josh Neill now – is he still eligible or will he play for Ireland? Time will probably tell. Kemp should be close.
We are a bit thin at lock, though. Although Riley’s great there (his battle stats for the WP u21s are almost otherworldly again), he is probably more of a 7. JD Hattingh also played 7 consistently this season. Haven’t seen anything of Theron or Schnetler after school (why I can watch Laerskool Stellenbosch’s u11C cricket team, but I cannot watch the u19 teams on SS Schools, I cannot tell you). Expect Meyer to be in the mix; not sure about Truspe – think he needs to refine some of his skills + bulk up a bit. May be a late bloomer.
I think we’ll probably only take 2, maybe 3 SH’s to the WC, so I’m not sure that McLaren or Fick will come into it. My favourites are Boraine and Newman. Might also see an u18 coming into the mix here. Something also to keep an eye on is that the Sharks have experimented with Giliomee at 9 – could he go as our second 10 and our 3rd 9? Would open up a spot in the squad.
Giliomee had an incredible u21 comp at 10 and 15 mostly. He’s pretty close to being a lock in my eyes. That would make it difficult for Groenewald to get a look in, especially since Ahmed offers more versatility too.
Centre is probably the most hotly contested spot in this team. On stats from the u21 comp, PvdM and Badenhorst should make it (Badenhorst makes 12m per carry, which is ridiculously good). As Markus Muller will probably be in the squad and Ethan Adams may come into it, Purchase could well miss out. Interesting to see Jansen at centre – only played wing and fullback for the Sharks this season.
Khuti Rashivaga’s been great for the Sharks. Dylan Miller’s also been good for WP and is a bit of a dark horse. Jooste will obviously still come into it. Think Steenkamp might too. Siyaya should also, but we’ll have to see if his defence stands up at this level.
@Bungee (Comment #1)
Good stuff Bungee. Nice to have an overview of the options available.
I read that Ruan Enslin, the tall quick Bulls B3 player was a regular u19 choice and had a good season for them. Maybe he’s another one for Kevin Foote to ponder over in the months to come
Very strong mix here to start building from.
I think the likes of Felix and Jooste are injured at the moment.
Other of this age group that I think could still join (I’m going to ask @Snelvuur to also help me here):
1 Sibabalwe Booi
LF Julian Cosmo
5/7 Hanu Pieterse
9 Matthew Fick
9 Philip McLaren
u/19 School boy Players:
5 Truspe Schoeman
6 Alutho Wesi
10 Yaqeen Ahmed
u18s I think could be in mix:
2 Altus Rabe
3 Luan van der Berg
5 AJ Meyer
7 Gert Kemp
7 Josh Neill
10 Ruben Groenewald
13 Markus Miller
15 Zekhethelo Siyaya
Overall, I think the team is in a good position for next year. No clear weak positions, and a couple of strong players that won’t make the cut.