Junior Boks reshuffle U20 World Championship squad after Springbok call-ups

Following the news that Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton and flyhalf Vusi Moyo had both made Rassie Erasmus' extended 46-man squad for the upcoming Nations Championship clashes in South Africa, Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote has drafted in two able replacements.

Norton's place in the SA U20 squad will be filled by utility forward Thomas Beling, while winger Cheswill Jooste replaces Moyo. Meanwhile, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele will step in as captain in Norton's absence.

In a further change, winger Akahluwa Boqwana comes in as a replacement for Zekhethelo Siyaya, who joins prop Kai Pratt on the list of injured players unavailable for the tournament after sustaining a concussion and a facial injury during a freak collision in the SA 'A' clash against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The Junior Boks who featured for the SA 'A' side in Gqeberha - props Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger; hookers Mnebelele and Liam van Wyk; utility backs Yaqeen Ahmed and Luan Giliomee; and centre Markus Muller - rejoined the SA U20 squad in Stellenbosch on Sunday.

Ahmed, whose yellow card was upgraded to a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle against Zimbabwe, has been suspended and will miss the first two matches in Georgia, but will remain in the squad.

"Everyone in the Junior Bok setup is delighted for Riley and Vusi, and we wish them well for the Nations Championship," said Foote.

"It is every young player's dream to represent the Springboks, and they thoroughly deserve their opportunity."

Foote also praised the players who were involved in the 40-0 win over Zimbabwe: "They made us proud with their performances. Their involvement in Gqeberha shows that we are on track in preparing the next generation of South African internationals.

"Injuries and call-ups to senior honours are part of the game. Fortunately, we planned for these scenarios, and the players brought into the squad are well integrated into our environment and game model. We are confident in our preparation and excited for the challenge ahead."

South Africa will defend their U20 world title in Georgia from 27 June to 18 July.

The Junior Boks have been drawn in Pool A alongside Wales, Georgia and Uruguay and will be based in Tbilisi for the pool phase.

South Africa open their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on Saturday, 27 June, followed by fixtures against Georgia (2 July) and Wales (7 July).

The Junior Bok squad will depart for Georgia from Cape Town on Monday afternoon. The squad will complete a gym and unit session in Stellenbosch before travelling to Cape Town International Airport.

Junior Boks' 2026 World Junior Championship squad

Forwards: Oliver Reid, Rambo Kubheka, Jordan Jooste, Danie Kruger, Luan van der Berg, Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain), Liam van Wyk, Heinrich Theron, Jaythen Orange, JD Hattingh, Kebotile Maake, Risima Khosa, Luke Cannon, Wasi Vyambwera, Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp, Thomas Beling.

Backs: Hendre Schoeman, Jayden Brits, Yaqeen Ahmed, Ethan Adams, Samuel Badenhorst, Markus Muller, Luan Giliomee, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Cheswill Jooste, Jack Benade, Jordan Steenkamp, Akahluwa Boqwana, Alzeadon Felix.

READ MORE: Mzwandile Stick reflects on performance of young SA 'A' team against Zimbabwe