Latest news with #WesternProvince
The Herald
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Norton to lead strong Junior Bok side in Italy
Western Province lock Riley Norton has been named captain of a powerful Junior Springbok side to play at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy from June 29 to July 19. The team show several changes to the squad which ended third in the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in May. Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) have not played for the SA U20s before, and Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Stephanus Linde (No 8) and Jaco Williams (outside back) are back in the squad after missing the Gqeberha tournament. Kubheka played for the SA U18s in 2024 and Van der Merwe in 2023, while Linde toured with the Junior Boks in Georgia earlier in 2025 before he picked up an injury, which ruled him out of the Rugby Championship. Grobbelaar is one of the five players returning for a second World Rugby Championship stint, alongside utility forward Batho Hlekani, prop Herman Lubbe, loose forward Wandile Mlaba and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. Six players who are still U19 have been included in the squad, which bodes well for 2026. They are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), Norton (lock), Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) and Cheswill Jooste (outside back). Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote's selection had been a difficult task, and he and the coaching staff were pleased with the final squad. 'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application and most of the group have been together since November last year, when the SA U19 Academy Programme kicked off in Stellenbosch,' he said. 'I want to thank every player who has been part of the various training groups for their amazing effort. 'The schools and provincial unions also deserve a huge amount of credit for how they have prepared our players. 'We selected a good group of players who are determined to do the country proud with their performances on the field and their conduct off-field. 'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players and we all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection.' Junior Springbok squad: Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (WP), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (WP). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (WP), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions). Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (WP), Xola Nyali (WP), Matt Romao (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Cheetahs). Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Erich Visser (Cheetahs). Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls). Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (WP), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (WP). Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (WP), Jaco Williams (Sharks). SA's Pool A fixtures: Sunday, June 29: vs Australia U20 — Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). Friday, July 4: vs England U20 — Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo). Wednesday, July 9: vs Scotland U20 — June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano). The Herald
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
When do Proteas play World Test Championship final?
A major ICC trophy has eluded the Proteas for an extended period in the limited-overs format, and what a twist of fate it would be if they could claim this long-awaited silverware in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. After the Proteas qualified against the odds, Temba Bavuma's Test side will be firm underdogs against Australia, but this could be just the way they like it. The one-off Test for title honours takes place from 11-15 June at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. As the game gets under way from this Wednesday, play will start at 11:30, and the good news is that no rain is forecast for the duration of the Test. Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham (Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Dane Paterson (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province) Management Shukri Conrad (Head coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer). ICC World Test Championship final 2025 11-15 June: South Africa vs Australia – Lord's Cricket Ground, London – 11:30 (SA time) 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.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bok Women only thinking of Stade Makis job in Madagascar as World Cup appoaches
Springbok Women's centre Aphiwe Ngwevu playing for Border during the 2019 Women's Interprovincial A League Final against Western Province. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Springbok Women's centre Aphiwe Ngwevu is among the most experienced players in the squad doing duty in Antananarivo. | BackpagePix The cities of Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in Madagascar's capital for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup is all part of the journey to destination Rugby World Cup in England in August and September. For the coaching staff, it is all about consistency – not only on the field, but off it as well – in order to do justice to the well-planned structure of their 2025 season, something Springbok Women assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said is very important. 'We are building a spine, so consistency is key to our performance and theme,' Nhleko said soon after the team touched down in Madagascar. South Africa kick off their campaign against Uganda on Saturday and Nhleko and fellow coach Franzel September arrived on the back of a solid week of preparation by the squad in Johannesburg. The most experienced of those 28 players is Aphiwe Ngwevu, who has played in 24 Tests, including last year's Rugby Africa Women's Cup, where the Springbok Women qualified for the Rugby World Cup as continental champions. Ngwevu's role will be instrumental to the consistency the coaches are looking for, and for the Border Ladies player, it is something she is looking forward to. 'This tournament is important to me and to the team,' said Ngwevu.'I must prove myself in my position and make sure I play my role as a centre, cross the advantage line and provide forward momentum for our attack.' The Bok Women's midfielder has had to overcome setbacks before and her inclusion into the 2022 Rugby World Cup squad came with huge personal challenges, so she does not mind doing it all over again: 'This trip will not be easy, but we will do our best and bring our physical game as always.' Ngewvu delivered a powerful performance in the team's last Test, against Spain in Bonalba, and was named Player of the Match after impressive work on attack and defence. She had a 100 percent completion rate on defence and her 12 ball carries gained 110 metres, with six defenders beaten, but she is looking ahead rather than living in the past: 'I can only give my best and leave nothing out there. The rest is not in my control.' Springbok Women Rugby Africa Women's Cup fixtures (SA times, all matches at Stade Makis, Antananarivo): June 7: Uganda (12pm) June 11: Kenya (12pm) June 15: Madagascar (2pm)
The South African
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
When does the Proteas' World Test Championship start?
It's almost slipped under the radar, but the Proteas will hope to make South Africa proud when they head into the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final from next week. After the Proteas qualified against the odds, they will face favourites Australia in a one-off Test for title honours, taking place from 11-15 June at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with the Test starting at 11:30 next Wednesday. The squad has already assembled in England, and will play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from 3-6 June, before heading to London on 7 June. Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham (Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Dane Paterson (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Kyle Verreynne (Western Province) Management Shukri Conrad (Head coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer). ICC World Test Championship final 2025 11-15 June: South Africa vs Australia – Lord's Cricket Ground, London – 11:30 (SA time) 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.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- RNZ News
PNG kidnapping: Five schoolgirls and health worker still held hostage after armed abduction
Police says the area where the kidnappers are hiding is dense jungle with no road or water access. Photo: AFP / Chris McCALL Five schoolgirls and a male community health worker remain in captivity nearly two weeks after an armed kidnapping in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. A man, woman and a teacher managed to escape, and the health worker's wife was released the day of the abduction on 12 May. The kidnappers, a group of armed men from Hela Province, abducted the victims from Adjumari Village in the Middle Fly District. The victims are believed to be held near the border of Western Province and the Southern and Hela Provinces. The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 550,000 kina (around US$132,000), and community members have been raising funds. Police say that the motive involves a police shooting and the alleged killing of one of the group's members by local residents. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has mobilised in response, but there is major concern within the community at what they see as the slow police response. However, police have pointed out that the area where the kidnappers are hiding is dense jungle with no road or water access. Three suspects have been apprehended - one shot dead while trying to escape, and the other two have been transferred to Kiunga - located near the Indonesian border in the Western Province - for investigation. Additional police officers have been deployed for search and rescue operations, with assistance from Ok Tedi Mining and Santos. Border Command assistant commissioner Steven Francis Photo: Supplied "Our strategic partners acted swiftly and decisively to support our police requirements at a time when internal constraints limited our operational capacity," Border Command assistant commissioner Steven Francis said. "Their contribution has been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining hostages and bring the perpetrators to justice," he said. According to police, the community has so far raised 12,000 kina to try and meet the ransom demand. PNG Police Commissioner David Manning said in a statement that they will use the country's newly enacted counter-terrorism laws to apprehend the kidnappers. "This is an act of domestic terrorism, and security personnel are authorised to use full force against the kidnappers if the hostages are not released safely," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper. He added that "third parties" should "stay out of the situation" and allow the police to do its job.
