Latest news with #Under-20RugbyChampionship
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.
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. 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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.'
TimesLIVE
11-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Junior All Blacks retain rugby champs title with thrilling win over Boks
The All Blacks staged a stunning fightback to edge the Junior Boks 48-45 and successfully defend their Under-20 Rugby Championship title at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday. After trailing 19-0 after 13 minutes, the Baby Blacks had to dig deep before they were able to subdue SA and send out a warning that they will be the team to beat at the Junior World Cup, which kicks off in Italy on June 29. The New Zealanders hung onto their slender lead with grim determination when they ended the game with 13 men after Caleb Woodley was red-carded and Randall Baker was shown yellow. The Boks threw everything they had at the All Blacks in the final moments, but they were unable to crack open New Zealand's brick wall defence. #JuniorBoks skipper Riley Norton reacts to their 45-48 loss to the Baby Blacks in their last #TRCU20 match of the tournament 🗣️ — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 11, 2025 SA's hopes of lifting the title were dashed even before they started their game against New Zealand. Hopes of glory on home soil for the Junior Boks ended when Australia beat Argentina 40-36 in the early game of a double header. That result meant that even if the Boks had beaten New Zealand with a bonus point and drawn level with Australia on the log, the Junior Wallabies were still ahead on the table because they beat the Boks in a second-round fixture. Despite being out of the running before a ball had been kicked, the Boks drew on their resilience to produce a courageous performance. It had been billed as brutal warfare in the trenches, and the battle lived up to prematch hype in front of 15,000 fans. There were scenes of uncontained joy at the end when New Zealand coach Milton Haig joined his players on the field to lift the trophy in front of an appreciative crowd who were treated to an absorbing double header. SA made a perfect start when powerful centre Albie Bester crashed over the New Zealand try line in the second minute after a period of sustained pressure from the men in green and gold. The action was fast and furious in the opening minutes, and the Junior Boks had a second try when powerful prop Simphiwe Ngobese bulldozed his way over the New Zealand try line. New Zealand were reeling after 13 minutes when Bok hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele touched down after a driving maul to which SA put SA into a commanding 15-0 lead. The Baby Blacks hit back after SA's electrifying start when elusive wing Harlyn Saunoa somehow managed to squeeze over in the corner to reduce the deficit to 19-5. In a sudden momentum shift, the All Blacks were back in the fight when the dangerous Saunoa went over for his second try, which left the Boks with a 19-12 advantage. The try feast continued in the 29th minute when hard-running wing Gino Cupido crossed the Boks' fourth try. New Zealand hit back with tries from skipper Manumaua Letiu and a third five-pointer from Saunoa to leave the Boks with a slender 26-24 halftime lead. The All Blacks took the lead for the first time in the game when express pace wing Maloni Kunawave won a foot race to touch down and to put his side ahead 29-26 after 42 minutes. Clever play by Bok No 8 Wandile Mlaba resulted in SA's fifth try as the game continued at a frenetic pace. Kunawave put the All Blacks into a 48-38 lead after 19 minutes left when he scored an acrobatic try in the corner.
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Pead, Cupido back as Junior Springboks make key changes for U20 clash with New Zealand
Gino Cupido Gino Cupido scored the final try for the Junior Springboks against Argentina. Photo: WORLD RUGBY Image: WORLD RUGBY Only five members of the Junior Springbok squad that lost against Australia in the Under-20 Rugby Championship have been retained for Sunday's massive clash against New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (4.10pm kickoff). Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote continued the trend of making wholesale changes to his side in the tournament as the hosts push for a strong finish. The South Africans had started off with a come-from-behind win over Argentina, before falling short against the resurgent Junior Wallabies on Tuesday afternoon. Foote has included five players from the side that faced Australia for their clash against New Zealand. In the pack, loosehead prop Simphiwe Ngobese, lock and captain Riley Norton and No 8 Wandile Mlaba are retained from the side that fell just short against Australia. Vusi Moyo, who gave a strong performance against the Aussies, retains the flyhalf berth, while exciting attacker Cheswill Jooste will run out at right wing as the only backs starting again. Norton, Mlaba and Jooste will start their third successive games in the competition. The Junior Boks had a robust review of their match against Australia, and have worked hard on those aspects of their game they have identified for improvement. 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 ✕ They had trouble in the set-piece in the first half against Argentina, but were largely improved in that facet of play against the Wallabies. The breakdown was a source of frustration for Foote, however. The #JuniorBoks are determined to finish the #TRCU20 on a positive note against New Zealand in Gqeberha tomorrow - more here: more here: 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 10, 2025 With the number of changes made, the Junior Springbok coach risks fixing one area of concern while opening up others. Players need time to build partnerships on the field, and the chopping and changing of players makes that difficult. The New Zealand U20 side have proven expert at exploiting any weakness in the opposition ranks, as they showed with their thrashing of Argentina in their last match. If the Junior Boks don't gel from the opening whistle, it could be a long afternoon for the home side. Foote feels that his players will be up for the challenge against South Africa's biggest rugby rivals in front of what promises to be a big crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. 'Obviously we were bitterly disappointed with not winning the Australian game, but there were some great learnings for us in preparation for the World Championship,' said Foote. 'I thought that our set-piece took a big step forward, and we controlled a lot of the game for a period, but there are aspects for us to work on, in particular our breakdown. 'We got turned over too often while some of the kicking patterns were out of character, which we look to fix and get some clarity around that.' From an attacking perspective, the return of scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who scored two tries against Los Pumitas, and fellow scorer Gino Cupido on the left wing, will be welcome. Cupido enjoyed a fine cameo off the bench, sparking the attack into life later on against the Australian side. Pead will be itching to show his pedigree once again, having been left out of the squad altogether. 'We're bringing some players back from the first game, while retaining some guys who played in the second game. That will bring some freshness to the match-23, and there is real excitement in the squad for our match on Sunday,' Foote explained.
