Four fit-again players have been included in a Junior Boks training squad ahead of the U20 International Series in Cape Town later this month.
Luan Giliomee, Christian Vorster, Jordan Steenkamp, and Pieter van der Merwe are back in the group after missing the recent U20 Rugby Championship due to injury.
The first batch of the squad will assemble on Monday, 18 May at their Stellenbosch Academy of Sports base, while players who carried a heavy workload in Gqeberha recently given an extra week of rest.
The squad feature players who attended the previous two Junior Boks training camps, the short tour to Georgia and the U20 Rugby Championship, won by South Africa, while loose forward Quintin Potgieter is a new addition.
“We are looking to freshen up the squad, give players opportunities in certain positions and allow them to put their hands up for Junior World Championship selection,” said Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote of the series that includes matches against Chili, Fiji and Georgia. “It is an important balance between managing the group in the present and continuing to build for the future.”
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Regular captain and lock Riley Norton and utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya, who were recently included in the Springbok alignment camp squad, are unavailable for the first two matches. Midfielder Markus Muller, who recently made his Stormers debut, and Vodacom Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste were not considered due to injuries.
Junior Boks squad to assemble in Stellenbosch on 18 May
Forwards: Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Kai Pratt (Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Lions), Altus Rabe (Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Lions), JD Hattingh (Lions), Thomas Beling (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Quintin Potgieter (Stormers), Vuyo Gwiji (Lions), Gert Kemp (Stormers).
Backs: Jayden Brits (Stormers), Jandrian Goosen (Bulls), Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Luan Giliomee (Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (Stormers), Lindsey Jansen (Sharks), Pieter van der Merwe (Bulls), Olunje Mehlomakulu (Stormers), Christian Vorster (Bulls), Jade Muller (CUT), Junaide Stuart (Bulls), Akahluwa Boqwana (Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Lions).
Squad members to assemble in Stellenbosch on 25 May
Forwards: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Sharks), Danie Kruger (Stormers), Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (Stormers), Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Luke Cannon (Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks).
Backs: Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), Ethan Adams (Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers), Jack Benade (Stormers), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks).
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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