Returning stars boost Junior Bok squad for upcoming U20 International Series

The series will feature the SA U20s, as well as their counterparts from Chile, Fiji, and Georgia, and will be staged at three schools â- Rondebosch Boys' High School and Wynberg Boys' High School in Cape Town's southern suburbs, and Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.

The inaugural tournament follows on the heels of the recent SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, where South Africa claimed the title after victories over Argentina and Australia, before drawing their final encounter against New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Several familiar faces reported for duty at SAS on Monday, including f;yhalf Vusi Moyo, who recently made his United Rugby Championship debut for the Sharks, as well as his franchise team-mate Luan Giliomee and Siphosethu Mnebelele, both of whom are back in the squad after missing the Eastern Cape assignment due to injury.

Other players who sat out the Junior Boks' successful campaign in Gqeberha through injury and are now back in the mix include prop Kai Pratt, loose forward Vuyo Gwiji, and centres Pieter van der Merwe and Christian Vorster.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote noted the positive energy brought by returning players: "Seeing the smiles on those who have rejoined the camp after completing their injury rehabilitation says a lot. We are very glad to have them back with us."

The Junior Bok mentor reflected that while the U20 Rugby Championship was a valuable experience, the squad has pivoted quickly toward their forthcoming fixtures against Chile, Fiji, and Georgia.

"We achieved our mission in Gqeberha, but we now face a fresh challenge and must prepare accordingly," said Foote, adding that they have to hit the ground running, as there is limited preparation time before the opening round against Chile this Thursday.

SA Rugby U20 International Series fixtures

Thursday, 21 May 2026 - Rondebosch Boys' High School, Cape Town

13h00: Georgia v Fiji

15h00: South Africa v Chile

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 - Wynberg Boys' High School, Cape Town

13h00: Chile v Georgia

15h00: South Africa v Fiji

Saturday, 30 May 2026 - Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch

14h30: South Africa v Georgia

16h30: Fiji v Chile

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