New additions to the squad that toured Georgia:
Jordan Jooste, Jaythen Orange, Thomas Beling, Jayden Brits, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Jack Benade, Jade Muller, Cheswill Jooste
Out of that named tour squad for Georgia:
Sibabalwe Booi, Mahle Sithole, James Schnetler, Reuben Kruger, Matthew Fick, Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Dylan Miller, Jordan Steenkamp
u20 Rugby Championship 2026 from 22 April – 9 May 2026 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha
| Mon,27Apr26 | 14h00 | New Zealand u20 | 34 | 29 | Australia u20 |
| 16h10 | South Africa u20 | 48 | 21 | Argentina u20 | |
| Sun,03May26 | 14h00 | New Zealand u20 | 17 | 25 | Argentina u20 |
| 16h10 | South Africa u20 | 56 | 17 | Australia u20 | |
| Sat,09May26 | 14h00 | Argentina u20 | – | – | Australia u20 |
| 16h10 | South Africa u20 | – | – | New Zealand u20 |
SQUAD
| NZ | AUS | ARG | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | A/G |
| 1 | 1 | PR-L | Phiwayinkosi Khubeka | 1 of 2 Maritzburg College | 2 of 7 Sharks | u20 | |
| 2 | 2 | HK | Liam van Wyk | 3 of 5 Grey College | 1 of 7 Sharks | u20 | |
| 3 | 3 | PR-T | Danie Kruger | 3 of 5 Grey College | 1 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 4 | 4 | LK | Heinrich Theron | 3 of 5 Grey College | 1 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| 5 | 5 | LK | Riley Norton | 1 of 4 Paul Roos | 2 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 6 | 6 | LF | Luke Cannon | 1 of 3 Jeppe | 1 of 7 Lions | u20 | |
| 7 | NS | LF | Mumbere Vyambwera | 2 of 2 Maritzburg College | 2 of 7 Sharks | u19 | |
| 8 | 8 | N8 | Kebotile Maake | 1 of 5 KES | 2 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| 9 | 9 | SH | Hendre Schoeman | 1 of 2 Affies | 3 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| 10 | 10 | FH | Yaqeen Ahmed | 1 of 2 Wynberg | 3 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 11 | 23 | CT/WG | Khuthadzo Rasivhaga | 2 of 3 Jeppe | 3 of 7 Sharks | u20 | |
| 12 | 12 | CT | Ethan Adams | 4 of 5 Grey College | 2 of 7 Lions | u19 | |
| 13 | 13 | CT-O | Samuel Badenhorst | 2 of 4 Paul Roos | 4 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 14 | 14 | WG | Jack Benade | 1 of 1 SACS | 5 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 15 | NS | FB | Akahluwa Boqwana | 2 of 2 Durban HS | 4 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| 16 | 16 | HK | Mahle Sithole | 2 of 2 Durban HS | 3 of 7 Lions | u20 | |
| 17 | 17 | PR-L | Oliver Reid | 3 of 4 Paul Roos | 6 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| 18 | – | PR-T | Luan vd Berg | 1 of 1 Garsfontein | 5 of 9 Bulls | u19 | |
| 19 | 19 | LK | JD Hattingh | 2 of 2 Affies | 4 of 7 Lions | u20 | |
| 20 | NS | LF | Gert Kemp | 4 of 4 Paul Roos | 7 of 11 WP | u19 | |
| 21 | 21 | SH | Jayden Brits | 1 of 1 Boland Landbou | 8 of 11 WP | u19 | |
| 22 | 22 | FH | Vusi Moyo | 2 of 5 KES | 4 of 7 Sharks | u20 | |
| 23 | NS | FB | Jade Muller | 1 of 3 Noordheuwel | 1 of 1 Cheetahs | u20 | |
| INJ | 18 | PR-L | Kai Pratt | 1 of 1 Oakdale | 5 of 7 Sharks | u19 | |
| NS | 7 | LF | Thomas Beling | 3 of 5 KES | 6 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| NS | 11 | WG | Lindsey Jansen | 2 of 3 Noordheuwel | 7 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| NS | 15 | FB | Alzeadon Felix | 5 of 5 Grey College | 5 of 7 Lions | u20 | |
| NS | 20 | LF | Risima Khosa | 3 of 3 Jeppe | 6 of 7 Lions | u20 | |
| NS | NS | PR-L | Jordan Jooste | 1 of 1 Paarl BH | 9 of 11 WP | u19 | |
| NS | NS | LK | Jaythen Orange | 2 of 2 Wynberg | 7 of 7 Lions | u19 | |
| NS | NS | CT | Olunje Mehlomakulu | 4 of 5 KES | 10 of 11 WP | u20 | |
| INJ | URC | CT | Markus Muller | 1 of 1 Paarl Gim | 11 of 11 WP | u19 | |
| URC | URC | WG | Cheswill Jooste | 3 of 3 Noordheuwel | 8 of 9 Bulls | u20 | |
| URC | URC | FB | Zekhethelo Siyaya | 1 of 1 Westville | 6 of 7 Sharks | u19 | |
| INJ | INJ | HK | Esethu Mnebelele | 5 of 5 KES | 9 of 9 Bulls | u20 |
FORMER SQUAD MEMBERS
| # | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | A/G |
| 1 | PR-T | Ruan Smuts | 1 of 2 Affies | 1 of 6 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 2 | PR-T | JG Badenhorst | 1 of 3 Grey College | 2 of 6 Cheetahs | u19 |
| 3 | LK | JP Lombaard | 1 of 2 Helpmekaar | 1 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 4 | LK | AJ Meyer | 2 of 3 Grey College | 1 of 10 WP | u19 |
| 5 | LF | Alutha Wesi | 1 of 3 Rondebosch | 2 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 6 | LF | Franko Rossouw | 1 of 1 Secunda | 2 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 7 | N8 | Vuyo Gwiji | 1 of 1 Northwood | 1 of 6 Lions | u20 |
| 8 | SH | Denilo Jordaan | 1 of 1 Pearson | 1 of 1 Dbn V Coll | u20 |
| 9 | CT-I | Pieter vd Merwe | 3 of 3 Grey College | 3 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 10 | FB | Reinhardt Viljoen | 1 of 3 Oakdale | 2 of 6 Lions | u19 |
| 11 | WG | Aidan Bester | 1 of 1 Noordheuwel | 1 of 1 Saldanha RFC | u19 |
| 12 | CT-I | Janco Purchase | 2 of 2 Affies | 1 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 13 | PR-T | Ulrich vd Merwe | 2 of 2 Helpmekaar | 2 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 14 | LK | Tom Barnard | 2 of 3 Rondebosch | 3 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 15 | SH | Brooklyn Newman | 1 of 3 Garsfontein | 4 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 16 | LF | Adan da Costa | 1 of 1 Wynberg | 4 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 17 | SH | Elgernon Meyer | 1 of 1 Outeniqua | 3 of 6 Lions | u20 |
| 18 | FB | Unathi Mlotshwa | 1 of 1 Westville | 5 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 19 | PR-L | Aphiwe Shelembe | 1 of 1 Michaelhouse | 6 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 20 | CT-O | Gregan Jansen | 1 of 1 Duineveld | 3 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 21 | CT/WG | Adriano Jackson | 1 of 3 Durban HS | 4 of 6 Lions | u20 |
| 22 | PR-T | Henry du Plessis | 1 of 5 Paul Roos | 5 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 23 | LF | Bohlala Mapisa | 1 of 1 Maritzburg College | 3 of 6 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 24 | SH | Adeeb Boraine | 2 of 5 Paul Roos | 6 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 25 | PR-T | Sibabalwe Booi | 1 of 1 Ndzondelelo | 4 of 6 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 26 | LK | James Schnetler | 2 of 3 Garsfontein | 5 of 6 Lions | u20 |
| 27 | N8 | Reuben Kruger | 3 of 5 Paul Roos | 7 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 28 | SH | Matthew Fick | 1 of 1 St Charles | 7 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 29 | FH | Luan Giliomee | 1 of 1 Charlie Hofmeyr | 4 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 30 | CT | Christian Vorster | 2 of 3 Oakdale | 8 of 10 Bulls | u19 |
| 31 | WG/FB | Dylan Miller | 3 of 3 Rondebosch | 8 of 10 WP | u20 |
| 32 | WG | Jordan Steenkamp | 4 of 5 Paul Roos | 9 of 10 WP | u19 |
| 33 | TH-P | Bongani Dlamini | 2 of 3 Durban HS | 9 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 35 | TH-P | Cecil Parsons | 1 of 1 Beth. Voortrekker | 6 of 6 Lions | u20 |
| 36 | HK | Altus Rabe | 5 of 5 Paul Roos | 10 of 10 WP | u19 |
| 37 | LF | Luann Olivier | 3 of 3 Garsfontein | 5 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 38 | LF | Sibusiso Mahlangu | 3 of 3 Durban HS | 5 of 6 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 39 | SH | Jandrian Goosen | 3 of 3 Oakdale | 10 of 10 Bulls | u19 |
| 40 | WG | Winton Abrahams | 1 of 1 Klerksdorp | 6 of 6 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 41 | WG | Junaide Stuart | 4 of 3 Garsfontein | 11 of 10 Bulls | u19 |
@beet (Comment #30) Practical, simple, valuable.
@beet (Comment #30)
That would be an amazing idea! I played a game against the USA u23s last year, so it could even be a u20s for Nations Championship teams, and u23s for the rest!
@Bungee (Comment #29)
Would be nice if World Rugby could make a plan and allow small rugby nations to field u22 teams and more resourced ones to field u21 teams, while the major nations are bound by an u20 limit. This would give smaller nations access to a bigger pool of players and would be good for improving the overall level of competitiveness
I dont think this Chile game can be used at all to judge the quality of these players, maybe just to identify shortcomings. Such a massive mismatch
Team for today vs Chile: 1. Jordan Jooste 2. Mahle Sithole 3. Luan v/d Berg 4. Jaythen Orange 5. JD Hattingh 6. Risima Khosa (C) 7. Gert Kemp 8. Vuyo Gwiji 9. Jayden Brits 10. Vusi Moyo 11. Lindsey Jansen 12. Pieter v/d Merwe 13. Olunje Mehlomakulu 14. Jade Muller 15. Alezeadon Felix 16. Altus Rabe 17. Kai Pratt 18. Bongani Dlamini 19. Thomas Beling 20. Quinton Potgieter 21. Jandrian Goosen 22. Junaide Stuart 23. Akha Bokwana Other squad members: Christian Vorster (C), Luan Giliomee (UB), Jordan Steenkamp (W), Zekhethelo Siyaya (FB), Oli Reid (LH), Rambo Kubheka (LH), Danie Kruger (TH), Liam van Wyk (H), Riley Norton (L), Heinrich Theron (L), Kebotile Maake (Loosie), Luke Cannon (Loosie), Mumbere Vyambwera (Loosie), Hendre Schoeman (SH), Yaqeen Ahmed (FH), Ethan Adams (C), Samuel Badenhorst (C), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (W), Jack Benade (W), Esethu Mnebelele (H), Markus Muller (C), Cheswill Jooste (W)
@Snelvuur (Comment #26) Mnebelele was probably the best hooker at last years addition already! Agree on Rabe, and I think he can double up as a backup 6 as well! (If we go with Mnebelele who has the ability to play the full 80)
@vonke_44 (Comment #25)
Mnebelele’s the big worry. I think we could be fine without Giliomee, but Mnebelele’s really a class above our other hookers at the moment. I actually think it’s worth rolling the dice on Rabe – the only concern with him is the fact that he’s quite light (96kg), but he’s an excellent line-out thrower and dynamite with ball in hand.
@Snelvuur (Comment #24)
Think I agree with most of your squad. My only questions/concerns are whether we’re sure that Mnebelele and Giliomee will be back from injury?
The team is becoming quite settled, I think. As I see it, the following guys are already locked in for the 30 man WC squad (barring injury): Props: 1. Khubeka (LH) 2. Reid (LH) 3. Pratt (Swing) 4. Kruger (TH) 5. Van der Berg (TH) Hookers: 6. Mnebelele Locks: 7. Norton 8. Theron 9. Hattingh Loose forwards: 10. Cannon (6/7) 11. Vyambwera (7) 12. Maake (6/8) Scrumhalves: 13. Schoeman Flyhalves: 14. Ahmed 15. Moyo Centres: 16. Adams 17. Muller 18. Badenhorst Outside backs: 19. Jooste 20. Siyaya 21. Benade The other 9 spots are still up for grabs, I think, and I think they’ll be selected from the following: 22. One between Van Wyk/Sithole as back-up hooker (with Rabe an outside chance) 23. One lock from Orange, Meyer or one of the other guys tried. 24 and 25. At least two further loose forwards. Probably aimed at guys that can play 6 or 8 given that there are already two options at 7 (Vyambwera and Cannon) and Norton and Hattingh that can play 7 too. Kruger/Kemp/Khosa probably in the mix here. 26. Another 9 – probably Brits. 27. Luan Giliomee (as the third 9, 10 and back-up 15). 28. Another centre – probably Vorster 29. A winger – if Steenkamp recovers in time, he’s favourite, otherwise one of Rasivhaga/Jansen 30. The wildcard, depending on what we need. Maybe another loosie?
@Bungee (Comment #17)
The BBs have another easier series coming up to give other squad players a chance. I think Foote must pick the strongest team to go for the jugular. This is NZ, our main opponents, who beat us last year and have won numerous JWCs in the past.
@Bungee (Comment #18)
Sorry you are right. Time flies. He was a lock at school.
@Kaya 85 (Comment #20) I thought that was the case, I just saw Beet had him listed as u19 above
@Bungee (Comment #18) he went from u18 (Lock) in 2024, straight into the WITS Varsity Cup senior team in 2025 as a loose-forward, he was in very good form, grew larger, and has kept raising his game. still u20 now. He was good, but has really developed and improved the last 2 years.
@agter_die_pale_pa (Comment #14)
not a bad idea…the stadium / stand at the school isn’t big enough, but yeah how about at the Griquas stadium, that would be a good idea for sure
@beet, is Beling u19 or u20? I know he was playing varsity cup last year already?
I would like to see a shuffled up team for this final game, to see what the fringe guys can offer. Something like:
1. Jooste
2. Sithole
3. Kruger
4. Hattingh
5. Orange
6. Khosa
7. Norton
8. Kemp
9. Brits
10. Moyo
11. Jansen
12. Mehlomakulu
13. Badenhorst
14. Muller
15. Boqwana
16. van Wyk
17. Reid
18. van den Berg
19. Theron
20. Beling
21. Schoeman
22. Felix
23. Adams
Lyk of ons u20 span oorgeskakel het na n hoeer rat.
@agter_die_pale_pa (Comment #14)
True. That would have been too good. Since they are in PE, having the game at Grey just before the Grey HS vs Pretoria BH main game could also have been a hit.
@beet (Comment #13)
Or how about playing a game AT wildeklawer.. Imagine the vibe as many of their juniors (even old teammates) will be there to support
Criminal that these games are overlapping with Wildeklawer.
I imagine a worthy percentage of the smallish u20 viewership support base are from Paarl and Stellenbosch. The game on 27/04/2026 at 16h10 match is during the Paarl Gim and Paul Roos successive games
I would have played arranged the matches for Sunday
With Muller now seemingly called up to the Stormers squad for the Glasgow game this weekend, we’ll probably see Adams at 12 and Badenhorst at 13 on Monday.
@Snelvuur (Comment #8)
Do we have any idea how long Mnebelele is out for? Would be a big loss if it’s for the Junior WC as well. Agreed though great opportunity now for Sithole and van Wyk
@Bungee (Comment #9)
Are there better looking girls or is he just thirsty?
@Overlooked lad (Comment #7)
Purchase bigger surprise, as I’ve heard from the rumour mill that da Costa has become a regular at Brauhaus in Stellenbosch, even though he is in UCT!
See Mnebelele is out and has been replaced with Mahle Sithole. I was hoping Altus Rabe might get a call-up, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for Mahle – straight shootout between him and Liam van Wyk for the second hooker spot in the WC squad.
Wow suprising Janco purchase and Aden da costa didn not make the squad even with currie cup experince
And finally, congrats to GC and KES on their 5 players each in the squad! That takes some doing.
F@Bungee (Comment #4) I know it is way premature, but it seems we also already have a very exciting group forming for next years team: 1. Pratt (Jooste) 2. Rabe 3. van den Berg (Badenhorst) 4. Meyer 5. Orange 6. xxx 7. Vyambwera 8. Kemp 9. Brits (Goosen) 10. xxx 11. Steenkamp 12. Adams (Vorster) 13. Muller 14. Stuart (Bester) 15. Siyaya (Viljoen)
Others that were included in the extended practice squad before this squad was announced that are not on the list:| TH-P Luan van den Berg (Garsfontein) (Bulls) (o19) TH-P Bongani DLamini (DHS) (Bulls) (o20) TH-P Cecil Parsons (Bethlehem Voorstrekkers) (Lions) (o20) HK – Altus Rabe (PRG) (Stormers) (o19) LF – Luann Olivier (Garsfontein) (Sharks) (o20) LF – Sibusiso Mahlangu (DHS) (Cheetahs) (o20) SH – Jandrian Goosen (Oakdale) (o19) CT – Winton Abrahams (Klerksdorp) (Cheetahs) (o20) WG – Junaide Stuart (Garsfontein) (Bulls) (o19)
@Kaya 85 (Comment #1)
@Vleis (Comment #2)
He was selected for AW but drafted into the Lions CW team last minute as an injury replacement if memory serves. Happy for Mehlomakulu, he was a TAG Foundation kid and is all heart – tackles like a demon!!
@Kaya 85 (Comment #1) Yes, he made the AW as a lock in 2024, if memory serves. Last year, he played Varsity Cup for Wits, which was a big step up.
Thomas Beling’s star has risen … He didn’t make SA Schools did he…nor CW if I remember? At school he was lock.