Latest news with #JuniorSpringboks
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Baby Boks coach Foote says his men learnt plenty from Rugby Championship ahead of World Cup
Springboks Under-20 coach Kevin Foote beleives valuable lessons have been learnt by his young young charges ahead of the World Under-20 Championship. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship but coach Kevin Foote said the players can take positives from their courageous effort against the young New Zealand on Saturday. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion. South Africa had led 26-24 at the break. Foote said his players should be proud of their effort after being outscored by eight tries to seven. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I only met Riley Norton and the guys in November. We are working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place. The lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game against the Kiwis, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. Reaction from #JuniorBoks coach Kevin Foote: 'We know we are not the finished product and we have a lot of work to there are a lot of positives to take from that performance' - more here: 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #TRCU20 — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 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 Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we have a lot of work to do, but think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving what they do with the ball.' Foote said the Junior Bok coaching staff will send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some must get game time. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached. We are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load will be managed, we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' The #JuniorBoks fought to the bitter end of #TRCU20, with magnificent support in Gqeberha and all over South Africa. We go again in a few weeks' time - thanks for backing our boys 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 SA Under-20 captain Riley Norton, who again had a solid game at lock, was also full of praise for the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' said Norton. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have built, not only on the field but off it, and the trust we have created, are extremely important. Norton also praised the Eastern Cape crowd for their support during the thrilling encounter: 'It was a massive honour for us to play in front of such a passionate crowd. "They came out in numbers on a Sunday afternoon, and we are privileged to represent them and play for the country. We want to say thank you to the people of Gqeberha for the support and hospitality throughout our three-week long stay here.'
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Boks aim to gain from U20 Rugby Championship pain
Head coach Kevin Foote and skipper Riley Norton say the Junior Springboks can take key lessons from a tough home tournament for the U20 World Championship next month. The South Africans fell short in their bid to capture The U20 Rugby Championship in the republic when they lost 48-45 to New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha yesterday. The hosts beat Argentina in fine style their opener, before going down to Australia and New Zealand. But Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' he told reporters post-match. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the U20 Championship next month in Italy. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' Foote added. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.' Foote said the SA U20 coaching staff are keen to send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby U21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some players will go back to their provinces to play in the U21 competition. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached there, and we are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load we will have to manage, but we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' Norton, who started all three of the Junior Boks' games of the competition, praised the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against such quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' he said. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have managed to build, not only on the field but off-field as well, and the trust we managed to create, are extremely important to us.' The post Junior Boks aim to gain from U20 Champs pain appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
News24
11-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Junior Boks fall agonisingly short in epic NZ clash
The Junior Springboks narrowly lost to New Zealand 48-45 in a thrilling Under-20 Rugby Championship finale. Coach Kevin Foote praised his team's attack, character, and progress, calling the game a positive learning experience. The team remains focused on improving ahead of the U20 World Championship in Italy. The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break. Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.'
Mail & Guardian
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Mail & Guardian
How Dr Phathokuhle Zondi converts on rugby fields
Advantage: Physician Phathokuhle Zondi realised early on that she could combine both her passions – sport and medicine. Photo: Supplied From the sidelines of elite rugby fields and the She went on to work as a medical officer for the 2012 Junior Springboks team with players who became Rugby World Cup winners — Handrè Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Jesse Kriel and Vincent Koch among them. She later clinched the job of chief medical officer for Team South Africa at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the 2017 World Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she worked with At the age of 33 she was appointed chief executive of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, a position she held for four years. As chair of the Medical Advisory Commission for the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (2016-2024) she guided athlete care and clinical standards. Zondi also served as president of the South African Sports Medicine Association from 2015 to 2017. Her fast-paced progression in sports medicine has made her a trailblazer in a male-dominated field. She has a passion for sports — she grew up in a sporty family, her father having completed four Comrades Marathons — and its power to transform individuals. 'I was always very sporty. And at some point it was more than an interest. It was, like, I just love it. I love who I am on the field, what it makes me in terms of the connections, the friends, the contacts,' she said. She was also interested in biology at school and, as a high achiever in an environment where young people believed 'you must be a doctor, a lawyer or an accountant, out of those three being a doctor appealed to me the most'. 'My sister heard an interview on SAFM with Tim Noakes, the father of sports medicine, and she said, 'You have to listen to this'. I realised, oh my goodness, here is a career that combines these two passions of mine. And from that time, I knew it was what I wanted to do and it has not disappointed,' she said. Zondi obtained a degree in medicine at the University of Cape Town, a master's degree in sports medicine at the University of Pretoria and an MBA at the Gordon Institute of Business Science. She attributes her successful career to her mentor, Professor Christa Janse van Rensburg, who was her supervisor in the department of sports medicine at the University of Pretoria and recommended Zondi when the Blue Bulls called seeking a junior medical officer to join the team. 'When she first asked me, I laughed. I was, like, do you see me? No, it's not going to work,' Zondi said. It was probably one of the toughest times for her; a black woman who had to prove herself in a white male-dominated field. But the opportunity opened doors for her that she could not have imagined. 'I found myself at the Blue Bulls through the encouragement of my then mentor and supervisor. It was a very 'interesting' period,' she said. 'When I entered there obviously it was a very Afrikaans environment. I felt out of place, this black, young woman — and I had dreadlocks, ' she recalled. 'Players [would] go for a second opinion from their house doctor, their GP, while I was a specialist. 'Initially, I was quite offended. Literally nine out of 10 times they would come back to me and say, 'My house doctor says you're right.' But at some point … I just realised they're not doing this because they know me; they're doing it because they don't know me.' She also recounted instances of being mistaken for a physiotherapist or massage therapist on the field. 'We'd even go to hospitals if we were playing away, and I'd say I am Dr Zondi and hand over my patient to the doctor and, especially if they were Afrikaans and male, they would turn and speak to my male manager instead. 'It was hard but at the same time it was probably the most formative years, and I couldn't have asked for a better learning ground than at the Blue Bulls, and it really ended up being a platform for the rest of my career.' She said apart from the cultural differences she received excellent support from the team's management. 'I realised that I really love rugby and the actual performance environment speaks exactly to my characteristics and my strengths. I went from there to become a team doctor for the 2020 Junior Boks. And then from there, I started working with World Rugby as an educator, and then senior educator and trainer, training doctors, which is what I do now on a regional basis.' This turning point came when she was offered a position in World Rugby's medical educator programme — just six weeks after giving birth. 'I said, 'I can't come unless I bring my baby.' And the manager said, 'That's fine, bring your nanny too.' That is what women need. Opportunities — and environments that allow us to show up.' More recently, Zondi was appointed to lead the medical expert team providing input for Athletics South Africa's case against the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), challenging the proposed Eligibility Regulation for Female Classification. The case was heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February 2019. The panel ruled that the IAAF's regulations, which required athletes to reduce their testosterone to compete in certain events, were necessary and proportionate, despite being discriminatory. This meant that athletes such as Caster Semenya, who had 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, would need to take medication to lower their testosterone if they wanted to continue competing in international events of 400m and a mile. Zondi said the medical world is still working out the intricacies of gender, human rights and fairness in sports competition. 'It's very controversial, because I think the issue is not a simple one. There are human rights matters and then there's obviously issues related to fair play and creating an environment that protects women, females,' she said. 'I think on the issue of human rights, there'll be unanimous concern that one needs to accept individuals for who they are, however they relate and how they want to show up. But there is a complexity when it comes to sports performance, specifically, if you understand the biology and even the physiology of performance and how hormones may influence physical performance. 'For a male who has gone through puberty, there are a lot of performance advantages that take place and for a man who becomes transgender after puberty there is evidence that there may be a performance advantage. If the change happens before puberty, that is more questionable,' she said. 'I don't know what the solution is and I think the sports world at large is still debating how to accommodate human rights matters, while also being mindful of the performance advantages of men who become women after puberty,' Zondi said. She spoke about what still holds women back in sports. 'The first challenge is being given a seat at the table. Unfortunately, the way many of our governance and other structures are constituted right now, women are still in the minority, so there's no parity. 'In other words, you do have to receive invitations to the table to be given opportunities, both field-side and in everything from doctors, physios, team management, sports sciences, to governance and administrative positions. 'There is to date no parity in terms of equity within those roles, and even in terms of research, because committees are largely still dominated by men.' The second issue is financial inequality. 'Having worked in certain governance structures and looking at the financials, women are not paid the same as men. And again, this is on the field, the athletes themselves as well as support personnel and leadership.' She believes women should be given equal opportunities in an environment that enables them to thrive, embracing the fact they could also be mothers. This idea of reshaping systems to support — not sideline — women is now at the heart of her work. As a mother of two daughters her mission is both professional and personal. 'I'm committed to creating a world where my daughters can thrive despite
News24
08-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Baby Boks' Wallaby Rugby Champs stumble leaves them with massive mountain to climb
South Africa 29-24 humbling at the hands of Australia in their Under-20 Rugby Championship wasn't just their second consecutive defeat to the Junior Wallabies, but impacted their chances of winning the tournament. They'll need a favour from Argentina in the last round of games on Sunday, from where they'll have to beat New Zealand by a bonus point. The SA Under-20s have continued to flatter to deceive since their 2012 success on the world stage. For more, please visit News24 Sport's dedicated rugby section. A team rebounding from 17-0 down to win a game isn't new across all levels of rugby. The bigger concern, though, for the Junior Springboks, who lost 29-24 to Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday, was the gradual capitulation that allowed the visitors to build a second-half innings that ultimately won the game. Even for Under-20s, it is understandable that games can be won or lost from that particular position, especially if there's a mental switch-off for more than 35 minutes. This was the case for Kevin Foote's side, who had to endure a second consecutive loss to Australia across two Under-20 Rugby Championship editions. Last year, under Bafana Nhleko's guidance, the SA Under-20s stuttered to a 24-19 loss to Australia after drawing their opening game 13-13 against the Junior All Blacks in Bokarina. The manner of that loss wasn't as deflating considering how they went toe-to-toe, even though they had players off the field for yellow and red card offences in the second half that allowed Australia to have a foothold they didn't fully relinquish. With 14 points in three minutes from a pick-and-drive try, along with some unexpected forward dominance, the Australians effectively put the game to bed at 26-17 in the 74th minute. The loss leaves South Africa with an absolute mountain to climb as they face a New Zealand side they must beat with a bonus point, while also hoping that Argentina, who were flattened 75-21 by New Zealand in Tuesday's early game, get one over Australia. READ | Coach Foote after Junior Boks let slip 17-0 lead: 'Australia deserve a lot of credit' New Zealand, who are the defending champions, leads the four-team tournament with seven points after their 29-29 draw against Australia, from where they cleaned out Argentina. Australia, who are on six points, could narrow the race between them and New Zealand if they beat Argentina with a bonus point. South Africa are on five points and can only finish on 10, with New Zealand and Australia having a bench-mark of 12 and 11, respectively. As much as South Africa's schoolboy rugby scene is comfortably the best in the world, with Under-18 players coming out of every corner, the step up to Under-20 has been such a difficult one that several coaches have failed to solve the conundrum. Foote is the latest to try and figure out how he can take the Junior Springboks to the next level, with the group having last won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2012. They last visited the final in New Zealand in 2014 under Dawie Theron, who was also at the helm two years previously. Whether Foote has a starting 15 or a strong bench is something he needs to fret over in the coming two days. His bench rescued the Argentina game from 25-15 down, and the starters controlled the game at 17-0 until the 46th minute, from where Australia had their 29 minutes of 29 points. Who he picks can't even be termed a gamble because, for all the riches South African junior rugby has at its disposal, its Under-20 failure is becoming a sore point. There is an opportunity to salvage pride that was decimated by the second half somnolence they can ill-afford against New Zealand.
