Latest news with #Under-20RugbyChampionship
The Star
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Biyela to skipper strong Junior Bok team against impressive Scotland in World Championship
Openside flank Thando Biyela will lead the Junior Springboks in their third and final Pool A match at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship against Scotland, which kicks off at 3.30pm on Wednesday at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano. Even though the SA Under-20 team shows several rotational changes from the team that beat England in their previous group match in Rovigo, the match-23 to face Scotland is a strong combination filled with experience. Fullback Gilermo Mentoe, right wing Cheswill Jooste, outside centre Gino Cupido, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo are retained from the starting fifteen that defeated England on Friday evening. Up front, Matt Romao (loose forward), Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Jean Erasmus and Oliver Read (both props), and Jaundre Schoeman (hooker) all provided impact off the bench against Australia and England, and are now in the starting pack. According to Kevin Foote, the Junior Springbok coach, they've named a team that will play this important pool game with real purpose and pride against a very good Scotland side. A win will solidify the Junior Boks' top spot in Pool A. 'We are fortunate that the players in our match-23 have experience playing for the Junior Boks against Georgia, in the Under-20 Rugby Championship, and also in our warm-up matches against Kenya,' said Foote. 'It is a tremendous honour for any player to represent the Junior Boks and the starting fifteen for Wednesday have earned that right because everyone has worked extremely hard to be considered. 'Thando has captained us earlier this year, Stephanus Linde played for us against Georgia, while Matt Romao was our Player of the Match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. 'Jaco Williams, Jaco Grobbelaar, and Oliver Reid have all seen a lot of action in the two previous group matches, while we have more experience playing off the bench in Herman Lubbe, JJ Theron, Batho Hlekani, and Haashim Pead.' The Junior Bok coach described the team to face Scotland as an experienced selection with exciting combinations. 'We have players with a lot of experience, they know our game very well, and they have a lot of hunger to do well against what will be a highly motivated Scotland,' said Foote. Foote said they have done their homework on Scotland, know what to expect, and have a healthy respect for the Scottish. 'We have a strong desire to improve, and we are determined to keep building on our game model and to make sure we maintain our synergy and cohesion as a team,' he said. 'Everyone understands the threat that Scotland brings, and we feel they have played some good rugby. They attack well, and their set piece has been solid, so they will pose a big threat for us. We will not underestimate them. We are looking forward to an exciting challenge on Wednesday.'
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Biyela to skipper strong Junior Bok team against impressive Scotland in World Championship
The Junior Boks are preparing for their final World Rugby U20 Championship group game against Scotland on Wednesday. Photo: SA Junior Rugby X Image: SA Junior Rugby X Openside flank Thando Biyela will lead the Junior Springboks in their third and final Pool A match at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship against Scotland, which kicks off at 3.30pm on Wednesday at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano. Even though the SA Under-20 team shows several rotational changes from the team that beat England in their previous group match in Rovigo, the match-23 to face Scotland is a strong combination filled with experience. Fullback Gilermo Mentoe, right wing Cheswill Jooste, outside centre Gino Cupido, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo are retained from the starting fifteen that defeated England on Friday evening. Up front, Matt Romao (loose forward), Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Jean Erasmus and Oliver Read (both props), and Jaundre Schoeman (hooker) all provided impact off the bench against Australia and England, and are now in the starting pack. According to Kevin Foote, the Junior Springbok coach, they've named a team that will play this important pool game with real purpose and pride against a very good Scotland side. A win will solidify the Junior Boks' top spot in Pool A. 'We are fortunate that the players in our match-23 have experience playing for the Junior Boks against Georgia, in the Under-20 Rugby Championship, and also in our warm-up matches against Kenya,' said Foote. 'It is a tremendous honour for any player to represent the Junior Boks and the starting fifteen for Wednesday have earned that right because everyone has worked extremely hard to be considered. 'Thando has captained us earlier this year, Stephanus Linde played for us against Georgia, while Matt Romao was our Player of the Match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. 'Jaco Williams, Jaco Grobbelaar, and Oliver Reid have all seen a lot of action in the two previous group matches, while we have more experience playing off the bench in Herman Lubbe, JJ Theron, Batho Hlekani, and Haashim Pead.' The Junior Bok coach described the team to face Scotland as an experienced selection with exciting combinations. 'We have players with a lot of experience, they know our game very well, and they have a lot of hunger to do well against what will be a highly motivated Scotland,' said Foote. Foote said they have done their homework on Scotland, know what to expect, and have a healthy respect for the Scottish. 'We have a strong desire to improve, and we are determined to keep building on our game model and to make sure we maintain our synergy and cohesion as a team,' he said. 'Everyone understands the threat that Scotland brings, and we feel they have played some good rugby. They attack well, and their set piece has been solid, so they will pose a big threat for us. We will not underestimate them. We are looking forward to an exciting challenge on Wednesday.' Junior Boks starting XV: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Gino Cupido, 12 Dominic Malgas, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Stephanus Linder, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Thando Biyela (captain), 5 Morne Venter, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Jaundre Schoeman, 1 Oliver Reid; Replacements: 16 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17 Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 JJ Theron, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Ian van der Merwe, 23 Demitre Erasmus
Otago Daily Times
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Three Landers players named to NZ U20
Three players from the Highlanders development ranks have been named in the New Zealand under-20 game day squad for their opening match against Italy in South Africa on Monday morning New Zealand time. Highlanders and Otago halfback Dylan Pledger has been selected to start in the No 9 jersey, while midfielder Tayne Harvey and Southland hooker Shaun Kempton will start from the bench. Promising lock Josh Tengblad is in the squad but has not been selected for the opening game of New Zealand's campaign to claim the world title for the first time since 2017. The powerful loose forward trio of Finn McLeod, Caleb Woodley, and Mosese Bason remains together following their performances in May, when New Zealand triumphed over South Africa to win the Under-20 Rugby Championship. A refreshed backline sees Stanley Solomon shift from fullback to wing, where he will join forces with sevens standout Frank Vaenuku, adding pace and flair to the outside channels. World Rugby U20 Champs Monday, 6:30am NZT New Zealand under-20s: Rico Simpson, Frank Vaenuku, Cooper Roberts, Jack Wiseman, Stanley Solomon, Will Cole, Dylan Pledger, Mosese Bason, Caleb Woodley, Finn McLeod, Jayden Sa, Xavier Treacy, Logan Wallace, Manumaua Letiu (captain), Sika Pole. Reserves: Shaun Kempton, Dane Johnston, Robson Faleafa, Randall Baker, Micah Fale, Jai Tamati, Tayne Harvey, Harlyn Saunoa. — APL
Otago Daily Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Title-winning NZ U-20 coach steps down after just a month
Milton Haig, pictured during his time in charge of Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, in 2022. New Zealand Under-20 head coach Milton Haig has stepped down just a month into the role, citing a difference in approach to the rest of his coaching staff. The former Southland player recently led the side to the Under-20 Rugby Championship title in South Africa, but said his decision was based on what he believed was best for the team. "I do not feel I'm fully aligned with the coaching group around things like playing style, so have made the difficult decision to step aside to give the team its best chance of reaching its full potential," he said. Haig was appointed last month and was due to take the side through to the World Championship in Italy in June and July. He has a lengthy coaching pedigree having previously coached Counties Manukau in the NPC, the national Georgia team, Bay of Plenty and Suntory Sungoliatah in Japan. Haig headed a four strong coaching group of Jarrad Hoeata, Alex Robertson and Craig Dunlea who were all appointed by New Zealand Rugby. "Milton's a quality coach and person has done a great job laying the foundations for the team over the past two months. His record over time is evidence of his coaching ability and it was great to see the team perform so well in South Africa," NZR high performance player development manager Matt Sexton said. "We respect his decision to step away and admire his courage in putting the team before himself." Haig said winning in South Africa was a highlight for the team and himself. "Helping the players succeed was my primary motivation for taking the role and I believe they have the skills and drive to be successful at the World Championships in Italy," he said. Haig said he would continue in his role as a World Rugby high-performance consultant.
1News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
'Baby Blacks' coach Haig quits on eve of under-20s world champs
Milton Haig has delivered a bombshell only weeks before the World Rugby Under-20 championship by resigning as New Zealand's head coach. Haig, who helped coach the "Baby Blacks" to their repeat Under-20 Rugby Championship victory in South Africa recently, cited differences of opinion in the coaching group and said he believed his decision was best for the team. 'I'm grateful to New Zealand Rugby for the opportunity to return home and work with a talented group of players and management," Haig said in a statement. "Winning in South Africa was a highlight for the team and myself. Helping the players succeed was my primary motivation for taking the role and I believe they have the skills and drive to be successful at the World Championships in Italy. 'However, I do not feel I'm fully aligned with the coaching group around things like playing style, so have made the difficult decision to step aside to give the team its best chance of reaching its full potential. I sincerely wish the players, coaches and management all the best for the remainder of the campaign and will be supporting them from afar.' ADVERTISEMENT Jarrad Hoeata, Alex Robertson and Craig Dunlea are the team's other coaches. Haig, a former head coach of the Georgia national team who coached at Suntory in Japan recently, said he would spend more time with family and focus fully on his role as a World Rugby high-performance consultant. For New Zealand Rugby, Haig's decision may bring back memories of All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald's sudden resignation last year. MacDonald, who has never spoken publicly about his decision, claimed differences of opinion with head coach Scott Robertson. The big difference in the case of Haig, however, is that he was the head coach. NZ Rugby high performance development manager Matt Sexton said: 'Milton's a quality coach and person and has done a great job laying the foundations for the team over the past two months. "His record over time is evidence of his coaching ability and it was great to see the team perform so well in South Africa. We respect his decision to step away and admire his courage in putting the team before himself.' Sexton said one coach would be added to the group ahead of the World Championship which starts for New Zealand with a match against hosts Italy on June 29.
