Junior Springboks drawn in challenging Pool A for U20 Championship.

The anticipation is building as the Junior Springboks gear up for a formidable challenge in the upcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship, set to take place from 29 June to 19 July in Italy. 

Ranked seventh globally, the Junior Boks have been placed in a particularly competitive Pool A alongside reigning champions England, as well as established powerhouses Australia and Scotland.

Excitement was palpable as Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote shared his thoughts on the draw, stating, “It is very exciting news and will be a great opportunity for us to play in Italy during the (European) summer months.” Foote acknowledged the strengths of their opponents and the rigorous preparations they likely undertook before the tournament. 

“England and Scotland would have had great preparations through the U20 Six Nations, while Australia will no doubt be using the U20 Rugby Championship to gear up for Italy. It is a very competitive pool; we are excited for the challenge and will be well-prepared,” he added confidently.

This championship marks the 15th edition of the prestigious tournament, which showcases the world’s finest Under-20 rugby talent. Hosted in four cities across the Lombardia and Veneto regions, the competition returns to Italy for the first time in a decade, with memories of New Zealand securing a title victory over England in 2015 still fresh. Italy first hosted the event back in 2011, making this tournament a significant moment for the Italian rugby community.

Now, the Junior Boks hope to rekindle their winning spirit from the 2022 U20 Summer Series held in the same region, where they emerged victorious. The team boasted talents such as Sacha Mngomezulu-Feinberg, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Cameron Hanekom, and Ruan Venter, who played pivotal roles in their triumph.

As the tournament approaches, the Junior Boks will resume their training on 20 March in Stellenbosch, reassembling after their successful tour in Georgia, where they managed to clinch two wins in extremely cold conditions. Coach Foote is optimistic about the team’s preparation, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead but confident in the resilience and skill of his players.

The tournament kicks off with pool matches on 29 June across venues in Calvisano and Verona and will continue with further match days on 4 and 9 July. Following the pool rounds, the knockout stages will commence on 14 July, culminating in finals day on 19 July at the Stadio Maria Battaglini in Rovigo.