Foote names exciting 45-player Junior Springbok squad as TRCU20 build-up begins

The group, which includes four participants from the recent Springbok alignment camp, will gather in Stellenbosch from 6 to 19 April.

Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to last year's world title in Italy, along with Siphosethu Mnebelele, Kai Pratt, and Markus Muller, all experienced the senior Springbok environment at the team's first alignment camp of the year in Cape Town in March.

The Junior Bok training squad will be trimmed to 31 players in two weeks ahead of the third TRCU20, which will be held in Gqeberha.

Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo, recovering from hip surgery, has been included in the group for the first time this year. While he is unlikely to feature in the TRCU20, Moyo will continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Junior Bok medical team.

Utility back Luan Giliomee, who recently made his international debut for the Blitzboks, has been named as a utility player. Equally comfortable at fullback - where he debuted in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship for the Hollywoodbets Sharks-and at flyhalf, he brings versatility to the squad.

Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste, another member of last year's successful Junior Bok side, was unavailable for this training camp due to his URC commitments.

In Stellenbosch, the Junior Boks will combine daily field and gym sessions with two training chukkas against the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in Wellington, and a similar session against Eastern Province.

Foote noted that the recent tour to Georgia had been a critical part of their preparation, with the Stellenbosch camp set to sharpen their readiness even further.

"Georgia gave us a great opportunity to play and grow together as a team, and to test our set-pieces against a formidable pack," said Foote.

"Our objectives at this camp are to step up our fitness levels, physicality, and ball-in-play time.

"Playing southern hemisphere teams presents a different type of challenge. They produce far more ball-in-play time compared to the Georgians, who are heavily set-piece orientated."

Foote added that their focus on conditioning was largely shaped by lessons learned in last year's tournament.

"Our experience in Gqeberha was that the surface can be soft underfoot, which led to several players cramping," said the coach. "So, we want to ensure our fitness levels match how we intend to play, especially against teams who favour a fast-paced game."

The SANZAAR TRCU20 will showcase the top young talent from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina. The tournament kicks off on Freedom Day, 27 April, with subsequent matches scheduled for 3 and 9 May, all taking place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Junior Springbok training squad

Forwards: Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Jordan Jooste, Cecil Parson, Danie Kruger, Kai Pratt, Luan van der Berg, Bongani Dlamini, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Liam van Wyk, Mahle Sithole, Altus Rabe, Heinrich Theron, Riley Norton, JD Hattingh, AJ Meyer, Tom Barnard, Kebotile Maake, Risima Khosa, Luann Olivier, Luke Canon, Thomas Beling, Wasi Vyambwera, Sibusiso Mahlangu, Bohlale Maphisa, Gert Kemp

Backs: Hendre Schoeman, Jayden Brits, Jandrian Goosen, Yaqeen Ahmed, Vusi Moyo, Alzeadon Felix, Ethan Adams, Christian Vorster, Winton Abrahams, Samuel Badenhorst, Markus Muller, Dylan Miller, Junaide Stuart, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Lindsey Jansen, Jack Benade, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jade Muller, Luan Giliomee

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