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South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander has praised the country’s school rugby structures for producing a steady pipeline of talent after the Junior Springboks ended a 13-year wait to win the World Rugby U20 Championship.
Speaking at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, where he welcomed the triumphant squad back from Italy, Alexander said it was a joy to once again welcome champions back home, something he’s proudly done many times with the senior Springboks.
"I think this result proves that our systems and programs are working to good effect. We were in a very dark place in 2016, and we had to build.
"We have a huge pool of players in the school system, and we are especially grateful for the coaches and teachers at grassroots level," said the joyous Alexander.
Coached by Kevin Foote, the Junior Boks beat New Zealand 23-15 in Rovigo to reclaim the U20 title last won in 2012.
Alexander says the young team’s performance captured the hearts of South Africans and proved the future of local rugby is in good hands.
"Their performance at the U20 World Championships was nothing short of exemplary. They were the green gold with discipline, pride, and relentless spirit."
A former Springbok Sevens captain, Foote was appointed in August last year as part of a broader technical overhaul by SA Rugby aimed at extending the national team’s dominance.
Alexander credited Foote’s leadership and also highlighted the composure and maturity shown by Captain Riley Norton, calling the duo central to the team’s success.
The Junior Boks squad also reflects South African Rugby’s transformation agenda, with an estimated 40–50% of the squad, being players of colour.
Alexander says the team’s makeup is a powerful reflection of the Strategic Transformation Development Plan 2030, adopted by SA Rugby to ensure equitable progress across all levels of the game.
He believes school rugby continues to be a vital tool for creating access and opportunity in communities across South Africa.
