Star centre Markus Muller is among several players who remain eligible for 2027 selection to be named in a 31-man Junior Boks squad for a three-match tour of Georgia.
Loose forward Gert Kemp, flyhalf Luan Giliomee (who helped the Blitzboks win the Perth Sevens last weekend), midfielder Ethan Adams and fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya are the others as the Junior Boks continue their strategy of building squad depth and prioritising the future pathway.
The SA U20s are scheduled to leave for Georgia on Sunday, and will return home on 28 February following the completion of three matches, two of which will be internationals against the hosts.
The selection follows an intensive three-week preparation camp in Stellenbosch which concluded last Friday. The camp included high-tempo training matches against two Varsity Cup sides, Maties and UCT.
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For the second tour to Georgia in as many years, the selectors have picked a squad featuring a blend of continuity and fresh talent. The group includes four returning players from the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship-winning side, alongside a promising crop of players from last year’s undefeated SA U18 campaign.
The returning stalwarts are loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele and lock Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to World Rugby U20 Championship honours in Italy last year.
Loose forward Vuyo Gwiji, centre Pieter van der Merwe and fullback Alzeadon Felix were not considered for selection after picking up niggles in camp, while flyhalf Vusi Moyo continues his rehabilitation. They will remain in South Africa to focus on their recovery with the aim of being available for the Sanzaar U20 Rugby Championship in April and May.
Wing Cheswill Jooste, like Moyo a member of the “Class of 2025”, is currently on Vodacom URC duty with the Bulls and is expected to join the squad later in the season.
Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote admitted that narrowing down the squad was difficult.
“Players such as [lock] AJ Meyer and [fullback] Reinhardt Viljoen put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship,” he said.
Junior Boks squad for Georgia
Props: Oliver Reid (Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Sharks), Kai Pratt (Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (Western Province).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Lions).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), James Schnetler (Lions), Riley Norton (captain, Western Province), JD Hattingh (Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Sharks), Luke Canon (Lions), Gert Kemp (Western Province), Reuben Kruger (Western Province).
Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Bulls).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Sharks).
Centres: Markus Muller (Western Province), Ethan Adams (Lions), Christian Vorster (Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (Western Province).
Outside Backs: Dylan Miller (Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Bulls).
Junior Boks tour fixtures (in Tbilisi, Georgia)
Wednesday, 18 February: vs Lelo Saracens
Sunday, 22 February: vs Georgia U20
Friday, 27 February: vs Georgia U20
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images