JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS QUEST FOR U20 CHAMPS TRIUMPH IN CAPE TOWN
The Junior Springboks believe they have put together a team that could see South Africa recapture the World Rugby U20 Championship.
The Junior Springboks recently announced its 30-man squad for the Championship taking place in Cape Town and Stellenbosch this month.
The squad includes five players, among them captain Zachary Porthen, who will feature in the tournament for a second time.
“We had to make some tough decisions to choose what we as coaches believe would be the best selection for the competition,” says Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko.
“I commend all the guys who have been part of the journey thus far and the sacrifices made, but from hereon, the focus will be towards building cohesion within the squad.
“We are excited for the challenge that lies ahead, the players are keen to create their own story and we can only take confidence from the work that the group has put in.”
The Junior Boks go into the tournament having finished third at the 2023 championships held in the Mother City.
For this year’s competition, the host nation will go up against Fiji, Argentina, and England in Pool C.
They will kick off their challenge to improve on last year’s bronze medal with a clash against Fiji at the DHL Stadium on 29 June 2024.
This will be followed by pool games against Argentina on 4 July at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch and England on 9 July at Athlone Stadium.
BACK TO BACK HOSTS
This is the second year in a row and third overall that South Africa will be hosting the championships.
South Africa also hosted the tournament in 2012, the same year the Junior Boks lifted the trophy at Newlands Rugby Stadium.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer believes the tournament will match the excitement levels from last year’s competition.
“The World Rugby U20 Championship plays an important role in the global rugby picture and is key in promoting and growing the game, while we are also excited to unearth the next generation of Springboks,” says Oberholzer.
“With the recent U20 Rugby Championship, we saw how closely matched the four SANZAAR teams were, and it was the same in the U20 Six Nations, where England emerged victorious.
“To host the next generation of superstars is a great privilege and we can’t wait to welcome their families, friends and fans to South Africa.”
Tournament tickets are available through Ticketmaster, starting at R35 for children 18 years old and younger, and R75 for adults.
A ticket gives fans admission to three games a day at every venue.
