By Adnaan Mohamed
Talented 19-year-old flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will headline an exciting 31-man Junior Springbok squad for a three-match tour of Georgia later this month, as coach Kevin Foote begins laying the foundation for South Africa’s 2026 U20 campaign.
Ahmed, a former Wynberg Boys’ High standout known as “The Chef”, has already been contracted by the Stormers after catching the eye while still at school. Now he is set to cook up a storm for the Junior Boks in Tbilisi, where two of the three fixtures will be internationals against Georgia U20.
The squad departs on Sunday, 15 February, and returns on 28 February.
Foote’s selection blends continuity with fresh talent. Four members of last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship-winning side return: loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, and lock Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to the title in Italy.
The touring group was finalised after a three-week training camp in Stellenbosch, which included high-tempo matches against FNB Varsity Cup sides Maties and UCT.
“We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” said Foote.
The tour also forms part of South Africa’s build-up to defending their world crown in June and July, also in Georgia.
“Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” Foote said.
“We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.
“They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”
Foote added that the broader vision includes building depth for future campaigns.
“We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby. This tour is a vital step in that regard.”
Several players eligible for the 2027 cycle have been included, among them Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya and Luan Giliomee, who recently represented the Blitzboks and helped the Springbok Sevens win the HSBC SVNS Perth title.
Injury concerns ruled out Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre) and Alzeadon Felix (fullback), while flyhalf Vusi Moyo continues his rehabilitation. All are targeting a return for the U20 Rugby Championship in April and May.
Speedy wing Cheswill Jooste is currently on Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty with the Bulls and is expected to link up with the squad later in the season.
Foote admitted that narrowing down the group was not easy.
“The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party. Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship,” he said.
With Norton providing leadership up front and Ahmed poised to guide proceedings at flyhalf, the Junior Boks will look to use the Georgian tour as a critical stepping stone towards another shot at global success.
Junior Springbok squad for Georgia tour:
Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).
Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).
Fixtures (Tbilisi):
18 February – SA U20 vs Lelo Saracens
22 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20
27 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20