The four major unions accounted for 85 promising junior contracted rugby players who represented their respective schools in their final year in 2025 — a cohort rich in talent and potential, who now find themselves in the mainstream. Among them are several players expected to progress into sustained professional careers, while a select few may ultimately reach the pinnacle of the game: Test rugby. It is not beyond imagination that this group could even produce a future 100-cap international, perhaps more.
For these players, however, the journey has only just begun. Talent alone will not be enough. Character, resilience, and bodies conditioned to withstand the physical demands of modern rugby will be decisive factors in determining who succeeds and who falls away along the path.
Competition will be fierce. Ahead of them lies an age group equally well stocked with players vying for the same positions, while close behind is another wave of capable talent set to emerge in 2027. Progress, therefore, is far from guaranteed.
In such a crowded landscape, the ability to recognise and seize opportunities as they arise will be critical. Those who maximise exposure, embrace development pathways, and consistently perform when it matters most will give themselves the best chance of converting early promise into lasting success.
If you want it more optimistic, more analytical, or more punchy for a press release, say the word and I’ll tweak the tone.
| # | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | A/G |
| 1 | SH | Jayden Brits | 1 of 6 Boland Landbou | WP | u19 |
| 2 | CT | Randall-John Davids | 1 of 2 Rondebosch | WP | u19 |
| 3 | PR-L | Zak Hickman | 1 of 8 Paul Roos | WP | u19 |
| 4 | PR-L | Jordan Jooste | 1 of 8 Paarl BH | WP | u19 |
| 5 | LF | Gert Kemp | 2 of 8 Paul Roos | WP | u19 |
| 6 | LK | AJ Meyer | 1 of 7 Grey College | WP | u19 |
| 7 | CT | Markus Muller | 1 of 4 Paarl Gim | WP | u19 |
| 8 | LF | Quintin Potgieter | 2 of 4 Paarl Gim | WP | u19 |
| 9 | HK | Altus Rabe | 3 of 8 Paul Roos | WP | u19 |
| 10 | WG | Jordan Steenkamp | 4 of 8 Paul Roos | WP | u19 |
| 11 | PR-T | Joseph Udo-Idung | 1 of 2 Durban HS | WP | u19 |
| 12 | PR-T | Matt van der Merwe | 2 of 2 Rondebosch | WP | u19 |
| 1 | PR-L | Kai Pratt | 1 of 3 Oakdale | Sharks | u19 |
| 2 | PR-L | Jefferey Singo | 1 of 2 Pretoria BH | Sharks | u19 |
| 3 | HK | Xander Smit | 2 of 7 Grey College | Sharks | u19 |
| 4 | HK | Clinton Agu | 1 of 2 Noordheuwel | Sharks | u19 |
| 5 | HK | Heinrich Bezuidenhout | 2 of 6 Boland Landbou | Sharks | u19 |
| 6 | PR-T | Cruz Davey | 2 of 8 Paarl BH | Sharks | u20 |
| 7 | PR-T | Bernhard du Toit | 3 of 8 Paarl BH | Sharks | u19 |
| 8 | LK | Truspe Schoeman | 5 of 8 Paul Roos | Sharks | u19 |
| 9 | LK | Claude Steyn | 3 of 7 Grey College | Sharks | u20 |
| 10 | LF | Kody Nell | 3 of 6 Boland Landbou | Sharks | u19 |
| 11 | LF | Wege van Zyl | 4 of 8 Paarl BH | Sharks | u19 |
| 12 | LF | Albert Smit | 1 of 10 Affies | Sharks | u19 |
| 13 | LF | Eugene de Lange | 1 of 3 Helpmekaar | Sharks | u19 |
| 14 | LF | Akin Akingbola | 2 of 2 Pretoria BH | Sharks | u19 |
| 15 | LF | Mumbere Vyambwera | 1 of 1 Maritzburg College | Sharks | u19 |
| 16 | SH | Zirk Meyer | 2 of 10 Affies | Sharks | u19 |
| 17 | SH | Liam Simpkins | 1 of 3 Westville | Sharks | u19 |
| 18 | SH | Regan McGurk | 1 of 4 KES | Sharks | u19 |
| 19 | FH | Pieter Bergh | 4 of 6 Boland Landbou | Sharks | u19 |
| 20 | CT | Iwan Jordaan | 5 of 8 Paarl BH | Sharks | u19 |
| 21 | CT | William Ridl | 1 of 2 Michaelhouse | Sharks | u19 |
| 22 | CT | Lizwe Mtetwa | 1 of 1 Glenwood | Sharks | u19 |
| 23 | WG | Dante Christians | 5 of 6 Boland Landbou | Sharks | u19 |
| 24 | CT | Divan Fourie | 3 of 10 Affies | Sharks | u19 |
| 25 | FB | Zikethelo Siyaya | 2 of 3 Westville | Sharks | u19 |
| 26 | FB | Stefan Moolman | 2 of 2 Michaelhouse | Sharks | u19 |
| 1 | PR-L | Roal Kruger | 4 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 2 | PR-L | Stefan de Bruyn | 5 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 3 | HK | Lethoko Mallane | 1 of 1 Parktown | Bulls | u19 |
| 4 | HK | Christiaan Grundling | 6 of 8 Paarl BH | Bulls | u19 |
| 5 | PR-T | Luan vd Berg | 1 of 3 Garsfontein | Bulls | u19 |
| 6 | PR-T | Dylan Engelbrecht | 2 of 3 Helpmekaar | Bulls | u19 |
| 7 | LK | Matthys Laubscher | 7 of 8 Paarl BH | Bulls | u19 |
| 8 | LK | Raphael Ajibade | 1 of 1 St Charles | Bulls | u19 |
| 9 | LF | Franko Rossouw | 1 of 1 Secunda | Bulls | u20 |
| 10 | LK | Migael Turner | 3 of 4 Paarl Gim | Bulls | u19 |
| 11 | LK | Lwandile Simelane | 3 of 3 Westville | Bulls | u19 |
| 12 | LF | Stefan McDonald | 6 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 13 | LF | Luan Potgieter | 7 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 14 | LF | Caleb Koeberg | 6 of 8 Paul Roos | Bulls | u19 |
| 15 | LF | Elwin Jv Vuuren | 8 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 16 | LF | Chinedu Amadi | 2 of 4 KES | Bulls | u19 |
| 17 | LF | Rio Tshabalanga | 1 of 2 Marais Viljoen | Bulls | u19 |
| 18 | SH | Jandrian Goosen | 2 of 3 Oakdale | Bulls | u19 |
| 19 | SH | Zander Vorster | 1 of 2 Hilton | Bulls | u19 |
| 20 | FH | Ruben Groenewald | 9 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 21 | CT | Chris Vorster | 3 of 3 Oakdale | Bulls | u19 |
| 22 | CT | Nic Grobler | 10 of 10 Affies | Bulls | u19 |
| 23 | WG | Lesken Samuels | 1 of 1 Menlopark | Bulls | u19 |
| 24 | WG | Junaide Stuart | 2 of 3 Garsfontein | Bulls | u19 |
| 25 | WG | Albert Lourens | 1 of 2 Wynberg | Bulls | u19 |
| 26 | WG | Tinyiko Silubane | 1 of 1 Nelspruit | Bulls | u19 |
| 27 | WG | Lee Ryan Sinkfontein | 2 of 2 Marais Viljoen | Bulls | u19 |
| 28 | FB | Liyema Nela | 2 of 2 Hilton | Bulls | u19 |
| 29 | FB | Junaide Pasensie | 3 of 3 Garsfontein | Bulls | u19 |
| 1 | PR-L | Andre Poulton | 1 of 2 Jeppe | Lions | u19 |
| 2 | PR-L | David Hayidakis | 4 of 7 Grey College | Lions | u19 |
| 3 | HK | Keenan Myners | 1 of 1 Outeniqua | Lions | u19 |
| 4 | PR-T | Juan vd Merwe | 8 of 8 Paarl BH | Lions | u19 |
| 5 | PR-T | Adriaan vd Lingen | 4 of 4 Paarl Gim | Lions | u19 |
| 6 | HK | Derik Du Preez | 6 of 6 Boland Landbou | Lions | u19 |
| 7 | LK | Jaythen Orange | 2 of 2 Wynberg | Lions | u19 |
| 8 | LK | Lian Terblanche | 1 of 1 Northwood | Lions | u19 |
| 9 | LF | Marko Kok | 1 of 1 Waterkloof | Lions | u19 |
| 10 | LF | Sam Bruwer | 3 of 4 KES | Lions | u19 |
| 11 | LF | Luke Kent | 7 of 8 Paul Roos | Lions | u19 |
| 12 | SH | Sherwin Buys | 5 of 7 Grey College | Lions | u19 |
| 13 | FH | Juandre Uithaler | 2 of 2 Noordheuwel | Lions | u19 |
| 14 | FH | Matthew Abbey | 1 of 1 Middleburg | Lions | u19 |
| 15 | CT | Zenkosi Mthiyane | 2 of 2 Durban HS | Lions | u20 |
| 16 | CT | Ethan Adams | 6 of 7 Grey College | Lions | u19 |
| 17 | CT | Toriq Schambreel | 7 of 7 Grey College | Lions | u19 |
| 18 | CT | Lindelani Nkambule | 2 of 2 Jeppe | Lions | u19 |
| 19 | CT | Ian Smith | 8 of 8 Paul Roos | Lions | u19 |
| 20 | WG | Jarell Mbuyi | 4 of 4 KES | Lions | u19 |
| 21 | FB | Ty Ax | 3 of 3 Helpmekaar | Lions | u19 |
@GreenRedCross (Comment #30)
thats a good move UJ play exciting rugby so they should be able to shine. Hope kepe can go back to fullback was one of the best 15 in his u17 year but has veen playing centre as of late
@wanza_15 (Comment #3)
Sithole is another player with the UJ Young Guns. Given there is no U19 competition this year, my guess is the Lions didn’t contract as many players as previously. Sithole or Deidricks (Noordheuwel & Lions Academy CW) will be in the mix with contracted Buys from Grey in that year group.
@Overlooked lad (Comment #27)
Just to let you know, both boys are part of the UJ Young Guns varsity group.
@beet (Comment #28)
I heard it’s because of financial reasons. He wasn’t on a bursary at his previous school.
@Gold (Comment #25)
I asked about this a few days ago. No reply. That means its probably still sensitive at this stage.
suprising how no one has picked up kingswood stars Likhona kepe and Praise Matsila
@GreenRedCross (Comment #24)
* Ngui with the UJ young guns so should push into the U20 Lions group. Good he has been picked up.
@beet (Comment #16)
I missed this until now. Any details about Noble’s move? Seems odd considering the opportunity he received in the western cape?
@wanza_15 (Comment #3)
I’m disappointed no province picked up Jeppe’s Grady Ngui. Should have been a starter in last year’s Lions CW team but instead captained the CW academy team. Maybe he will pop up at one of the varsity teams.
@beet (Comment #22)
Yes also just been told that he is actually with lions under that umbrella of not contracted however Tution and boarding fees covered!!
Crazy to think an SA A player not being contracted very interesting.
@Westville_Boy (Comment #19)
@Bungee (Comment #21)
This is the feedback I got:
“Various guys are on different types of agreements and tripartite contracts”
So Viljoen along with Maree and Nieuwoudt are at the Lions for sure but “are not LRC contracted players”
@Westville_Boy (Comment #18)
Especially when in the SA rugby announcement, he is listed as a Lions player, whereas the non-contracted players have their clubs listed
@Ystervark (Comment #14)
This i believe is due to financial reasons. Very talented 9!!
@beet (Comment #15)
Just checked… Viljoen is with the lions
@beet (Comment #15)
@Beet something doesn’t seem right with the Viljoen story… I haven’t dug deeper into this story… but I find it very hard to believe Sa A side u18 invited into SA u20 training squad… however not contracted something seems a miss.
@beet (Comment #16)
Very sad… I am hoping that it all works out for him but I dont see the lions coming through for him if the have bought in Ethan… and I dont see Sharks doing anything for him either… he needs to get fit and be very disciplined in that.. I juat hope DHS staff that accepted him back in help and look after him as he an amazing boy!
Sad for Simka. He had a memorable season in 2025 – personally my KZN player of year.
Didn’t Ebenezer Tshimanga of Wynberg have a similar contractual drama a few years ago after he had signed for a French club.
Regarding Morne Noble, who is the most famous u19 mover of recent times. I think many will remember Abner van Greunen (Gars->HJS) and Ruan Venter (Sutherland->HJS)
Joseph Dweba (Florida->Louis Botha)
In KZN who can ever forget Marne-gate (Klofies->Glenwood)
I’ve updated the table to include Mumbere Vyambwera of Maritzburg College at the Sharks and three of the Lions players mentioned, namely
Adriaan vd Lingen – Gim
Ian Smith – PRG
Jarell Mbuyi – KES
Apparently the Grey boys
Adem Nieuwoudt and Thristan Maree are not union contracted players, nor is the exciting Reinhart Viljoen of Oakdale.
@Gold (Comment #13)
Morne Noble is in matric but has moved schools. Apparently at Monnas now
I think Yakeen Ahmen is signed by WP. Also, would be interested in what Morne Noble’s prospects look like, SA school’s #9 last year.
@RuggaFreak (Comment #5)
Being at the Sharks Academy and being contracted are 2 completely different things. Stoffels also Sharks Academy and not contracted
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #1)
The Simka matter is an absolute mess!! I hope for his sake it all works out for him… What i have heard is that he is still under contract at the lions however he opted out and returned to school.(he tried to terminate contract but was unsuccessful)He was suppose to be at the lions however when they enrolled him they were under the Impression that he was doing matric… however he only had a grade 10.. last year he did grade 11 and this year he would try finish… bare in mind he can’t play rugby as he is to old for school rugby… under contract he can’t play for anyone and I heard sharks aren’t interested in him so he is in no man’s land!
@ForeverHorseFly (Comment #1)
I heard Simka was going to complete matric in 2026. Don’t follow then why Sharks wouldn’t pick him in their player group. Wish Lions had him as would be interesting to see him and Adams playing centre together ….
@wanza_15 (Comment #3)
Additional Lions signings: Mbuyi from KES, Maree and Nieuwhoudt from Grey, Van Der Lingen from Paarl Gym, Reinhardt Viljeon from Oakdale, Ian Smith from PRG.
@RuggaFreak (Comment #7)
That’s great news, glad to hear these boys were picked up by people who saw something in them, this also means they’ll be playing for the leopards & getting to experience the hoenderhok atmosphere!
The PUK is undoubtedly the most professional setup of all our university rugby institutes, will keep a keen eye out for the boys!
Hopefully Phikolomzi Mtyalela from Dale College also got picked up, another talented young man.
@Meesh N (Comment #2)
Mveli Mqulo is at North West University, you’ll likely see him play for the young guns and graduate into Varsity Cup soon. Splash Magwebu (Queen’s 12 and SA A) and Robert John Osunkwo(Selborne prop) are also at NWU with Mqulo. I think that’s a nice pathway to pro rugby for Mqulo.
Another interesting list will be standout players who were presented with contracts but chose not to pursue pro rugby after school. Would be interesting to know what percentage of offers by the big unions are declined annually.
Jeff Niland(Queen’s College captain) is at the Sharks.
There is definitely still a few names missing! From what I heard:
15. Stoffels (PRG) signed with the Sharks (saw an instagram post of IPM that he signed with them)
12. Ian Smith (PRG) signed with the Lions (saw a photo that showed his name on a door, rooming with Luke Kent and Ethan Adams)
Jarell Mbuyi – KES, didn’t sign? I’m sure I’ve seen a picture of him somewhere in a Lions jumper?
Talent Sithole as well I’m a little shocked, thought his chances at 9 for Lions would be good.
Totally saddens me to see a union didn’t scoop up Mveli Mqulo (15 from Queens College), that kid is something special & has such a natural feel for the game.
With guidance & grooming I see him as a Lukhanyo Am type of rugby player, makes the game look so easy, by far my favourite player to watch whenever I could last year.
This list is also an indicator of how difficult it is to get signed as a 19 year old matriculant, is this because unions aren’t as keen to sign players they’ve essentially already missed out a year on? (unless they’re top drawer special of course)
Names like Alutha Wesi, Reinhardt Viljoen, Wasi Vyambwera, Zingce Simka, etc. aren’t on the list but surely are contracted? Jarell Mbuyi turned out for the Lions u19s last year already, the union most likely gave him an offer?
@Beet Any idea what is happening with Zingce Simka as im not seeing him on the list? Definitely thought he would have been scooped up by one of the unions even after the lions u-turn last year.