Latest news with #GinoCupido
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks face tough selection choices ahead of U20 Championship semi-final against Argentina
Junior Bok outside centre Gino Cupido tries to avoid the tackle of Scotland winger, South African Cameron van Wyk, during the final World Rugby U20 Championship pool match on Wednesday in Italy. Image: Sabrina Conforti / World Rugby The Junior Springboks will face off against Argentina when the two Southern Hemisphere sides meet in the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Monday evening in Italy. After a flawless group stage, the South African U20s progressed as the top-ranked side to the playoffs, while the Junior Pumas snuck in as the fourth side after finishing with more points than former champions England. On Wednesday, the Junior Boks completed their second 70-plus point victory after drubbing Scotland 73-14, scoring 11 tries in the process. They beat Australia in the opening round 73-17 and tackled their way to a 32-22 win over the English. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Now, a rematch against the Pumitas awaits after the two sides played out a thrilling encounter during the U20 Rugby Championship earlier this year. South Africa won that game and will bank on that momentum and their unbeaten form to steer them to another victory. After making several changes to the side, head coach Kevin Foote was pleased that the players didn't slack on their intensity. They continued where they left off against the Aussies and England and kept Scotland under pressure for most of the match. 'It will be a very difficult job and will be hard to leave guys out,' Foote said of selecting a side for the semis after the performance of all the players. And then there were four 🙌 Who are you backing to become #WorldRugbyU20s champions? 🤔 — World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 9, 2025 'That was a mature effort (against Scotland), and our squad is in a good place. I thought our back row was excellent around the breakdown. Some of those tries were great, and most of them were because of the work done at the breakdown and the massive effort upfront, which gave the boys such a good platform. And when they got the space in front of them, they really were exciting on the attack. 'The guys are a humble bunch, and immediately after the game in the change room, they were happy, but there was a real purpose amongst them to move onto the next job.' While resting key players, Foote will now have to juggle his selection as he brings back players like captain Riley Norton, his lock partner JJ Theron, scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who scored another try coming off the bench, and outside centre Demitre Erasmus.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks credit defensive grit for remarkable comeback win over England
The Junior Springboks' Gino Cupido goes on the run against England during their World Rugby U20 Championship match. Image: World Rugby The Junior Springboks refused to panic under pressure before they clawed their way back into Friday night's thrilling World Rugby U20 Championship match against England, recording their second win of the tournament in Italy. Sparked into life by some individual backline brilliance, the Junior Boks managed to erase an early 14-0 deficit. But much of the credit for the 32-22 win must go to the entire team for a sterling defensive effort as a unit, especially in the closing stages when enterprising centre Gino Cupido had been sin-binned. 'England started unbelievably, running great lines, keeping us on our toes,' skipper Riley Norton said in the post-match media conference. Reaction from the #JuniorBoks in Rovigo: 'We're very proud of the win and we'll take massive confidence from this game, but we're still building' - more here: 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #WorldRugbyU20s — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 4, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I think we were rushed because they were putting us under a lot of pressure. I think our timing in the tackle could have been a lot better. 'We struck back with some excellent strike set-piece plays, some individual standouts, and we just came back fighting and went into the break three points behind.' Standout scrumhalf Haashim Pead's first try and another brilliant five-pointer from fullback Gilermo Mentoe were just reward for champagne running rugby by the SA side. Electric wing Cheswell Jooste also had a field day against the defending champions, stepping and jinking his way past defenders with consummate ease. He sliced through the England defence to get the Junior Boks on the scoreboard. They trailed 22-19 at the break.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Minor tweaks to Junior Bok side for England clash at U20 Championship
Coach Kevin Foote has made just one forced change to his starting team for the match in Rovigo. Gino Cupido has been brought into the SA U20 side for Friday's match against England in Rovigo. Picture: David van der Sandt/Gallo Images Having beaten Australia in their World Rugby U20 Championship opener in Calvisano on Sunday, the Junior Springboks next face England, the defending champions, in Rovigo on Friday. And coach Kevin Foote has made just one change to his starting XV for the match, with Gino Cupido replacing Demitre Erasmus (illness) in midfield. There are also two changes on the bench, with Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Dominic Malgas (utility) now among the replacements, in place of Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe. The rest of the players who helped the side beat Australia 73-17 on Sunday have been retained. 'We can't wait for it' 'There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday and the magnitude of this match,' said Foote. 'We know how important this is, playing against the defending champions. It's an honour to be involved in such a game and a real challenge for us this week. We can't wait for it. 'With Demitre suffering from a bit of heat stroke, we brought in Gino at outside centre, while Ceano and Dominic cover scrumhalf, centre and flyhalf on the bench. 'Demitre, Erich and Ian all played well against Australia, but we are going with a combination that we feel is well suited for us against England.' The Friday evening pool match, which kicks off at 6pm will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby. Junior Springbok team to face England: Gilermo Mentoe, Cheswill Jooste, Gino Cupido, Albie Bester, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Vusi Moyo, Haashim Pead, Wandile Mlaba, Bathobele Hlekani, Xola Nyali, JJ Theron, Riley Norton (capt), Herman Lubbe, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Simphiwe Ngobese. Bench: Jaundré Schoeman, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Matt Romao, Ceano Everson, Dominic Malgas, Jaco Williams
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks make minor tweaks for crucial clash against world champions England
Blitzbok speedster Gino Cupido will look to add his flair and skill to the Junior Springbok side when they face England on Friday in the second pool match of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. Image: World Rugby Gino Cupido is the only change to the Junior Springbok starting lineup for their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match against England on Friday. The Blitzbok replaces the exciting Demitre Erasmus, who suffered heatstroke after the resounding win against Australia on Sunday. Erasmus is still recovering, and the lanky Cupido is set to fill his boots, something he is very capable of doing. South Africa U20 head coach Kevin Foote also made two tweaks on the replacement bench with scrumhalf Ceano Everson and utility back Dominic Malgas stepping into the matchday 23. They replace Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading There is quiet optimism in the SA camp after their big 73-17 win over the Junior Wallabies. However, England are the reigning champions, and it will be a difficult task to overcome them. Foote expressed excitement about the clash, acknowledging its magnitude. 'We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they are staying after the victory over Australia, and how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,' according to Foote. A few minor tweaks to the #JuniorBoks team for their #WorldRugbyU20s clash against England in Rovigo on Friday - more here: 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 2, 2025 'There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday's clash. We know how important it is, and we play against the defending champions. It is an honour to be involved in a game like this, and it is a real challenge.' Foote added they selected the side which they feel will be suited for what the English will throw at them. Riley Norton will captain the side and his physical combination with JJ Theron will be crucial. How they go about claiming lineouts and competing against the throw, will also come under scrutiny. Nothing but strength 💪 JJ Theron decimates the Australian defence 🔥 #WorldRugbyU20s — World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2025
The South African
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
The making of Gino Cupido: A rising star in South African rugby
In a candid conversation, Gino Cupido opens up about his upbringing, his sporting achievements, and the passions that fuel his drive. Gino Cupido has quickly risen through the ranks of South African rugby. Known for his explosive speed and versatility, he made his mark as a standout age-grade player for Western Province, the Junior Springboks, and more recently, the Blitzboks. After debuting for the national sevens team at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens, Cupido has already proven himself as one of South Africa's most promising young talents. But behind the rapid rise is a young man grounded in faith, community, humility — and a deep understanding that the road from a small village to the world stage is paved with far more than talent alone. The 19-year-old hails from Sir Lowry's Pass Village, a tight-knit coloured community tucked between Somerset West and Grabouw, and like so many others, is often forgotten in South Africa's rugby landscape. 'People think I'm from the Strand, but I'm actually from the Sir Lowry's. Our community club Sir Lowrians RFC is where it all started for me. And there are many other excellent players, just like me, at the club, who fall through the cracks because of lack of opportunities.' Growing up, Cupido never imagined becoming one of South Africa's most talked-about rugby prodigies and he is adamant what he represents is far bigger than personal success, it's pride for a community and hope for those who come from the same streets. 'It's a big deal, especially from our community. It's special to make my parents and our small town proud. I thank them for everything. Without them, I wouldn't be here.' From Hoërskool Strand, where he captained teams and sprinted on the athletics track, Cupido progressed through the Western Province age-group systems, starred at the 2022 Craven Week, and then burst onto the national radar in 2023 at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the U18 International Series – scoring tries, winning medals, and standing tall against top opposition. Then came 2024, and with it his senior Currie Cup debut for Western Province. Still a teenager, Cupido showed his quality in matches against seasoned opponents, gaining invaluable experience. He then earned a call-up to the Junior Boks U20 squad and later a place in the South Africa 'A' sevens squad for Dubai Invitational. But it was his 2025 Blitzboks debut that truly made headlines. Named in the squad for the Hong Kong Sevens, coach Philip Snyman called him an 'unknown quantity with great potential.' Within minutes of his debut, Cupido silenced any doubts, sprinting 95 metres to score a stunning try against Uruguay. He added three more in the tournament before injury briefly sidelined him. 'After I scored that first try, I kept watching the video on my phone, asking myself, 'Is that really me?' It's a moment I'll never forget,' he reflects. More recently, he starred for the Junior Boks in the U20 Rugby Championship and has since made the squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship. And even though he missed out on selection for South Africa's campaign opener against Australian, he was named in the team for Friday's showdown against England. Beyond rugby though, Gino speaks with striking maturity about the diversity, team culture, and human connection within this Junior Bok side. 'We all come from different backgrounds, so I get to know what other people's circumstances are. It's not just about rugby – I learn how to work with people, how to respect that not everyone is the same.' He talks about team dynamics with care: 'Sometimes you can joke, sometimes you can't. I'm learning day by day how to work with different personalities.' Cupido's humility is unshakable, even as fame begins to circle him. 'For me, it's not about being famous. I always pray to God to stay true to myself. Because that's all I can be.' 'Success for me is about becoming better in my sport and as a person. Everything has to be in balance.' It's this authenticity that endears him to coaches and teammates alike. 'Every coach I've worked with played a different role in my journey,' he says. From his school coaches to WP mentors and Blitzboks guru Philip Snyman, he names each with reverence. 'They all connect with players — there's love in how they coach. That's special.' Cupido is now a key figure in both the Blitzboks and Junior Springboks setups. Looking ahead, he aspires to lift the Currie Cup, compete in the URC, and ultimately wear the green and gold of the Springboks. But he knows there are no shortcuts. 'I have goals. Big ones. But I also know it's going to take hard work, day by day. That's what it's about.' He may be young. But Gino Cupido already carries the spirit of a veteran – steady, faithful, and fiercely determined. As he says, 'I'm playing for myself, my family, and my town. And I know what I have to do to succeed.' HAVE YOU SEEN GINO CUPIDO IN ACTION YET? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
