Junior Springboks Kickstart U20 Season with Stellenbosch Academy Camp

PHOTO CREDIT: SA RUGBY

The Junior Springboks are set to launch their 2025 season with a comprehensive training camp at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, running from January 26 to February 16. This marks the first SA Rugby Under-20 Academy camp of the year, bringing together a large pool of young talent to prepare for an action-packed international season.

This U20 assembly follows two highly successful Under-19 camps held at the same venue in late 2024. Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and his coaching team worked with 48 players during these sessions, focusing on talent identification and establishing a strong foundation for the development of the next generation of South African rugby stars.

The upcoming camp will feature a series of training matches, including two fixtures against local university teams, to sharpen the skills and readiness of the U20 Academy squad. From this group, the final Junior Springbok team will be selected for the demanding international calendar ahead.

The Junior Boks are gearing up for two major tournaments this year: the U20 Rugby Championship in May, organized by Sanzaar, and the World Rugby U20 Championship, set for June and July. To further enhance their preparations, the team is planning a short tour to Georgia next month, which will be finalized once logistical arrangements are confirmed.

Speaking about the camp, Foote outlined a rigorous schedule of technical, tactical, and fitness training for the players in the first week. “The two camps we held last year were extremely productive, helping us establish the fundamentals we expect from the players,” said Foote. “We’re eager to regroup and begin this new phase of development. This camp also allows us to assess players who weren’t part of the earlier sessions.”

Foote emphasized that opportunities remain open for players outside the current training squad to earn their spot on the Junior Springboks roster ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship. “It’s an exciting time for these young players. They understand the level of preparation required for what promises to be a busy and challenging season,” he said. “Our initial focus will be on fine-tuning the set-piece and kicking game, which are integral to South African rugby.”

With the stage set for a demanding season, the Junior Springboks are determined to make their mark on the global stage and continue South Africa’s proud rugby legacy.