Latest news with #HaashimPead
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rudy Paige: Haashim Pead will be a Springbok . . . sooner rather than later
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, is currently training with the Springboks. Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby Former Springboks scrumhalf Rudy Paige says Junior Springboks star Haashim Pead has all the attributes to become a star for the Springboks following his incredible performances at the World Rugby Under-20 World Championships. Pead won the Player of the Tournament award after the Junior Boks beat their New Zealand counterparts in the final to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012. The speedy No 9 scored six tries and assisted four during the tournament. He also surpassed France star Antoine Dupont's record for running metres by a scrumhalf at the tournament, racking up 232m from 15 carries during the pool stages. 'When I met him, I really liked how he sees the game and his hunger to evolve as a player and go to bigger heights,' Paige said, during an event hosted by Generation Schools in Cape Town on Wednesday. 'On the field, he ticks all the boxes. His fundamentals are really good and he has got the pace. But he also has the instincts and his feel for the game is superb. 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 'We must celebrate him and what he has achieved in his short career and what the team achieved. He has got a really bright future ahead of him.' Pead is currently in camp with the Springboks ahead of their home Rugby Championship matches against Australia. He and fellow Junior Boks, flank Bathobele Hlekani and outside centre Cheswill Jooste, were invited to see first hand how the Boks prepare for a big tournament. Paige, who played 13 Test matches for the Springboks and played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, says Pead's involvement in the Bok camp is massive for his development, as he will be able to see first-hand what it takes to play for the Springboks. 'I always say you learn a lot through the ears and the eyes. He is going to learn a lot from people like Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach, what they do on a day-to-day basis, what they do post training, their habits and what type of questions they ask in team meetings,' the former Bulls scrumhalf said. 'I think being there is going to put him and the others ahead of their peers. It's going to be three amazing weeks for them with the Boks. 'He still has a lot to learn and needs to play in big competitions such as the United Rugby Championship to develop his game even more. But we are going to see Haashim Pead in a Springbok jersey sooner rather than later. He has all the capabilities to make it.' Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus just week said Pead and other two Junior Boks have fitted in nicely. While he doesn't foresee them playing any Test matches this year, the Bok mentor is hoping that the exposure will give them the desire and hunger to improve their game and push for a senior call-up. 'The coaches will be involved in the team until 2027, so it's important for us to continue developing our depth and ensuring that we have at least three players to pick from in each position,' Erasmus said. 'We don't see the Young Guns playing Test matches this year, but exposing them to this environment and allowing them to participate in all our boardroom and field sessions is great for them to learn. 'They've fitted in well and they appear to be enjoying it, while it's also good for the more experienced players to see the talent that is coming through the ranks.' The Springboks start their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 16. The Boks and Aussies will then travel to Cape Town for their second match a week later on August 23.
The South African
28-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Lions lure future Springbok superstar Bathobele Hlekani from Sharks
The Lions have pulled off a major recruitment coup ahead of the next United Rugby Championship (URC) season, with Junior Springbok star Bathobele Hlekani set to make the move from Durban to Johannesburg. The 20-year-old utility forward, who was born in Zwide in the Eastern Cape and educated at Graeme College, starred for South Africa at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, will join the Lions squad following the conclusion of the 2025 Currie Cup. Hlekani played a key role in helping the Junior Boks lift the U20 title for the first time since 2012, showcasing his versatility, physicality, and tactical awareness. His performances earned him a call-up to the Springboks' two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg, alongside fellow Junior Springboks Haashim Pead and Cheswill Jooste. ALSO READ | Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys' High: Every Springbok produced Although currently part of the Sharks' Currie Cup squad, Hlekani did not feature in their opening match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday, as he was rested following a demanding international schedule. Hlekani made his senior debut for the Sharks in the 2024 Currie Cup and came off the bench in their European Challenge Cup Round-of-16 clash against French giants Lyon in April. Hlekani's upcoming switch bucks the recent trend of young talent heading from Johannesburg to Durban, and strengthens a Lions side already busy in the transfer market. The union recently secured scrumhalf Haashim Pead through to 2028 and snapped up a trio of schoolboy stars from Grey College – Ethan Adams, Sherwin Buys, and David Hayidakis – widely regarded as some of the most exciting young prospects in South African rugby. The move signals the Lions' intent to rebuild and compete aggressively in both the URC and domestic competitions, with a clear focus on emerging talent and long-term squad development. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Junior Springbok star Haashim Pead named in Lions Currie Cup squad
Junior Springbok world champion Haashim Pead will make his senior debut for the Lions when he runs out for the Johannesburg-based side in this season's Currie Cup. Pead was named the Player of the Tournament following the Junior Boks' victory over New Zealand in the U20 World Championship final last Saturday. The young talent boasted incredible numbers, even surpassing France megastar Antoine Dupont's record for running metres by a scrumhalf at the tournament, racking up 232 metres from 15 carries during the pool stages. Pead also scored six tries and assisted four. He was one of three Junior Springboks – the others being Cheswill Jooste and Batho Hlekani – invited to train with the Springboks at an upcoming training camp. On Wednesday, Pead was also named in the Lions' Currie Cup squad, alongside Junior Bok team-mates Gilermo Mentoe, Thando Biyela and Morne Venter. Experienced hooker Jaco Visage will lead the Mziwakhe Nkosi-coached side once again. The duo led the Lions to the final in 2024, where they lost thanks a 60m Jordan Hendrikse penalty in the final play of the match. Perhaps fittingly, the Lions get their Currie Cup campaign underway against the Sharks in Johannesburg on Friday. Jaco Visagie (captain), SJ Kotze, Morgan Naude, Heiko Pohlmann, RF Schoeman, Conrad van Vuuren, Sebastian Lombard, Siya Dube, Stian de Bruyn, Franco Marais, Morne Brandon, Marno Grobbelaar, Thando Biyela, Raynard Roets, Darrien Landsberg, Dylan Sjoblom, Johnre Stopforth, Tiaan Wessels, Luca Ribbens, Renzoi du Plessis, Jarod Cairns, WJ Steenkamp, Izan Esterhuizen, Siba Zoma, Morne Venter Nico Steyn, Layton Horn, Zian Cilliers, Haashim Pead, Lubabalo Dobela, Sam Francis, Kade Wolhuter, Gianni Lombard, Tapiwa Mafura, Gilermo Mentoe, Rynhardt Jonker, Bingo Ivanisevic, Alzeadon Fleix, Kelly Mpeku, Bronson Mills, Manuel Rass, Rabz Maxwane, Angelo Davids, Likhona Finca, Keagan Smith, Michail Damon Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Haashim Pead in Lions' Currie Cup squad after dream U20 tournament with Junior Springboks
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, has been included in the Lions' Currie Cup squad. Star Junior Springbok scrumhalf Haashim Pead has been included in the Lions' Currie Cup squad following his outstanding performances at the U20 World Championships. Pead won the Player-of-the-Tournament award after the Junior Boks beat their New Zealand counterparts in the final to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012. The speedy No 9 scored six tries and assisted four during the tournament. He also surpassed France star Antoine Dupont's record for running metres by a scrumhalf at the tournament, racking up 232m from 15 carries during the pool stages. On Wednesday, Pead was also invited to the Springboks' training camp ahead of their home Rugby Championship matches against Australia. He will be joined in camp by flank Bathobele Hlekani and outside centre Cheswill Jooste to see first hand how the Boks prepare for a big tournament.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Five players to watch as Junior Springboks gear up for Currie Cup challenge
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, will be one of the players looking to make it at senior level should he get an extended run at the Lions in the Currie Cup this season. Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby After their success at the World Rugby U20 Championship, several Junior Springboks will get a well-deserved break, but then it is straight back into the Currie Cup at their respective unions. While the tournament, kicking off this weekend, is not as prestigious as in previous years, the developmental aspect of it could aid some of the U20 players taking part. This will be a perfect platform from which they can launch their senior careers, looking at cracking a nod at their United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises. We look at five players who must take the next step in their careers. Haashim Pead (Lions) The Junior Bok vice-captain could be the perfect understudy to Springbok Morné van den Berg when it comes to the URC. For that to happen, the Lions must back him in the Currie Cup and give him as many minutes as possible to find his feet. Pead has the pedigree to become great at the union, but it will all depend on how they utilise him. His instinctive plays will suit the Lions' game. He is quick behind the breakdown, and Pead has this ability to see space that few scrumhalves in South Africa possess. His kicking game will also benefit from senior rugby. Batho Hlekani (Sharks) Hopefully, the Durban side will have a proper plan and pathway for his special talent after showing off his all-around skills in the U20 Championship. Hlekani was the physical heartbeat of the Baby Boks. But he is not just a strong defender, although the opposition felt his hard hits right through the tournament, Hlekani is also a strong ball carrier. While he knows how to take the ball up into tackles with his direct plays, he also has a keen eye for gaps and a great turn of pace. Vusi Moyo (Sharks) Another young South African flyhalf with a good all-round game. He was running the attacking show of the Junior Boks alongside Pead and looked to be in total control when it came to spreading the ball down the backline or taking it up himself. Moyo can be physical too and doesn't back down from the dirty work in contact. He compliments that attacking gameplay well with his kicking and he looks so calm with the ball in hand or when putting it up in the sky. The real test will come when he plays against seasoned Currie Cup players. Cheswill Jooste (Bulls) He's been likened to Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe for his pace and stepping exploits during the tournament, and the way he scored tries, chased high kicks, and sidestepped opponents showed why he was one of the stars of the side. The Bulls' game will suit Jooste and the players around him should be able to get him into space whenever he gets a run for the side. He ran circles around his opposition in Italy, but must now step it up against some of his teammates who know him and other more experienced wings in the tournament. Riley Norton (Western Province) A leader of men and Western Province will have to look after their Junior Springbok-winning captain in the future. While they have some big names when it comes to the lock position, it will be crucial to get Norton involved in their campaign. Alongside Hlekani, Norton led the physical charge of the team throughout the tournament. However, his leadership qualities and how he kept his team calm and fighting stood out. He leads by example when it comes to the physical things on the field and a campaign against hardened senior players will stand him in good stead.
