Latest news with #WorldRugbyUnder-20Championship
Scotsman
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Glasgow Warriors announce significant coach update as two major appointments made
Scotstoun outfit start to make plans for upcoming campaign Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Glasgow Warriors have confirmed their assistant coaching team for the 2025/26 campaign. Attack coach Nigel Carolan has agreed a new contract with the Scotstoun side, while he will be joined by two new members of staff in Roddy Grant and Scott Forrest to mitigate for the departure of defence coach Pete Murchie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Carolan, Grant and Forrest will assist head coach Franco Smith for next season, with the Warriors having reached the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championships having lost to Leinster in Dublin. Smith left some doubt over his long-term future at Glasgow, saying he would take time to reflect. He led the team to the URC title in South Africa a year ago. Roddy Grant has joined the Glasgow Warriors coaching staff. | SNS Group In terms of keeping continuity, Carolan has been with Warriors since 2021 and speaking after signing his new contract, the Irishman said: 'I'm pleased to be able to extend my contract with the club – I've really enjoyed my time at Scotstoun so far, and I'm excited to continue on the journey that this club is on. 'We've got a strong group as we build towards next season, with a mix of established internationals, players looking to push on to that next level, and some exciting new talent coming through. 'I'm looking forward to being a part of it and continuing to build towards the new campaign – the atmosphere that the Warrior Nation created in the win over the Stormers a couple of weeks ago shows the passion with which this club is held by everyone connected with Glasgow Warriors.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Forrest knows Warriors well A former Scotland 7s captain, Rutherglen-born Forrest officially joins the club's coaching team after being involved with the Glasgow Warriors academy during the 2024/25 campaign, working alongside Shade Munro. The 40-year-old served as head coach for Great Britain's women's 7s squad at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, having previously held the same position for the Scotland Women's 7s squad. Forrest will join pre-season preparations at Scotstoun following the conclusion of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, where he will be serving as one of Scotland U-20's assistant coaches under Kenny Murray. 'I'm really looking forward to working with everyone – it's an incredibly exciting coaching group,' said Forrest. 'Having had the opportunity to work alongside Franco and Nigel over the past season in my role with the club's A team and academy, I'm excited to take this a step further over the coming seasons. Scott Forrest coached Glasgow Warriors A. | SNS Group 'I'd also like to mention that working alongside Pete Murchie this season has been of huge benefit – he leaves huge large shoes to fill, but I'm excited to build on the excellent work he's done since leading the team's defence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'My time spent coaching the U20s over the past few years, as well as my time with Scotland 7s, mean that I know a lot of the players at the club, and having been in the environment over the last year or so I'm looking forward to continuing to build those relationships. 'I've always tried to give players the autonomy to make decisions as ultimately they are the ones that have to perform in high pressure situations. I'd say that I have a positive approach whilst always working to instil the standards required to perform at the highest level. 'I know Roddy well from our times playing for Scotland 7s together, and I've seen him go on to develop into a top-class coach. It'll be great to work alongside him once again and I'm confident we both have a lot to contribute to the environment at the Warriors.' Grant aware of Glasgow's potential Former Edinburgh Rugby flanker Grant will join Glasgow Warriors following the conclusion of his current role as assistant coach of Georgia, with whom he will work ahead of their matches with Emerging Ireland and South Africa next month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Born in Botswana, the 38-year-old was a firm fan favourite over a six-year spell with Edinburgh, for whom he amassed 138 appearances in the back-row, as well as in a Scotland 7s career that saw him represent his country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 'I've had so much respect for Glasgow over the last two decades of being involved in the BKT URC – Franco [Smith] is such an impressive coach, and such an impressive person,' said Grant. 'The opportunity to come into such a successful environment and such a top-level culture was one I jumped at, and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to that environment. 'It's a really exciting group here. Having coached against Franco for a number of years, I can't wait to work alongside him. I'm a huge admirer of Nigel's work as well, he's been hugely successful wherever he's been. To have the chance to work with Scott, too, is a special opportunity. We've known each other since 2006, so to be able to coach alongside each other is an exciting prospect. 'I like to believe that I treat people how I'd like to be treated, both on and off the field. I appreciate technique, and the art and science behind everything we do. The great thing about pro sport is that you're around incredible people, and I hope to make those strong connections with everyone here at Scotstoun.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Al Dickinson will also continue in his role as consultant Scrum Coach, with Munro working with the club's academy prospects. On the coaching appointments, Smith said: 'We are pleased to be able to confirm our coaching group as we turn our attention towards the new season. Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith. | SNS Group 'I would first like to once again thank Pete [Murchie] for everything that he has done for this club on and off the field over the past three seasons, and everyone at the club wishes him and his family well with their new adventure. 'We are pleased to be able to retain Nigel's services as we prepare for the new campaign – he is someone that is thoroughly respected by everyone in both the playing group and backroom team, and his experience and expertise are valuable assets to the club. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Junior Bok squad named for World Champs in Italy
Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote has included five players who will feature in their second World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy, with lock Riley Norton retained as captain for the tournament which will be staged from 29 June to 19 July. Five players are returning for a second consecutive U20 Championship campaign. These include Norton, Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Bathobele Hlekani (utility forward), Herman Lubbe (prop), Wandile Mlaba (loose forward), and Haashim Pead (scrumhalf). Their experience will be crucial as the Junior Boks aim for a strong showing on the global stage. Among the new additions to the squad are Phiwayinkosi Kubheka (prop) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf), both of whom will make their U20 international debuts. Kubheka represented South Africa at U18 level in 2023, while Van der Merwe featured in the same age group last year. Stephanus Linde (No 8), Grobbelaar, and Jaco Williams (outside back) are also back in the squad after missing the recent U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha. Linde had toured with the Junior Boks to Georgia earlier in the year but was sidelined by injury. The squad includes six players who are still eligible for the U19 age group, which bodes well for future campaigns. These players are Kubheka, fellow prop Oliver Reid, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, Norton, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and outside back Cheswill Jooste. Coach Foote acknowledged the difficulty of narrowing down the training squad of 37 players to the final 30. He praised the attitude and commitment shown by all players, especially those who have been part of the team since the SA U19 Academy Programme began last November in Stellenbosch. 'The boys have all been superb in their attitude and application,' said Foote. 'Most of this group has been together since last November during the SA U19 Academy Programme in Stellenbosch.' Foote also expressed gratitude to the schools and provincial unions for their contributions to the players' development, highlighting the importance of cooperation across all levels in preparing the squad through various training camps and the tour to Georgia. Foote recognized the disappointment for players who missed out on selection but reassured them that they remain on standby and could still be called up if necessary. 'It was an enormously difficult task to cut the squad to 30 players,' Foote added. 'We all feel for those guys who did not make the final selection. Thank you to them for their positive attitude, and they will remain on standby.' The Junior Springboks will continue their training in Stellenbosch before departing for Italy on 24 June. They will open their tournament against Australia on 29 June in Calvisano. Their remaining pool matches are against England (4 July in Rovigo) and Scotland (9 July, back in Calvisano). With a balanced blend of experienced players and exciting emerging talent, the Junior Boks are poised to compete strongly at the World Championship and lay the groundwork for future success. JUNIOR BOKS SQUAD FOR 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Props: Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Oliver Reid (Western Province). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, Western Province), JJ Theron (Bulls), Morné Venter (Lions). Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Xola Nyali (Western Province), 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 (Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (Western Province). Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Jaco Williams (Sharks). South Africa's Pool A fixtures: Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks vs Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano) Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks vs England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo) Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks vs Scotland U20 – June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano) Playoffs: Monday, 14 July: Semi-finals (Verona and Viadana) Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo) WILL THE JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS CLINCH THE TITLE IN ITALY? 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
25-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Blitzboks' Cupido, powerful Hlekani can spark Junior Springboks charge in Rugby Championship
Bathobele Hlekani Bathobele Hlekani will add real grunt to the Junior Springbok pack in the Rugby Championship. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Bathobele Hlekani, Haashim Pead and JC Mars will be returning for their second Under-20 Rugby Championship with the Junior Springboks after being included in the squad announced on Thursday. New Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote picked 31 players for the tournament against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, which will take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha from May 1-11. The event serves as ideal preparation for the World Under-20 Championship from June 29-July 19 in Italy, where South Africa have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions England, Australia and Scotland. The Junior Boks will be aiming for a much more successful Rugby Championship campaign after a difficult time in last year's competition in Gold Coast, Australia, where they could only beat Argentina after drawing with New Zealand and losing to the hosts. South Africa will begin their Rugby Championship run against on May 1 against Argentina (4.10pm start). Barnstorming Sharks loose forward Hlekani will hope to lead the charge for the South Africans with his powerful ball-carries and big hits in defence. At the back, Western Province fullback Mars will hope to utilise his pace and silky skills to spark the attack, along with recent Blitzboks debutant Gino Cupido, a centre from WP. In a blow to the pack, impressive WP loose forward Divan Fuller has been ruled out with injury. 'The Rugby Championship is a great opportunity for our players to test their abilities against quality opposition from New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina and we are looking forward to the challenge to play quality opposition in front of our passionate Eastern Cape fans,' said Foote. Ready for more of this when the Rugby Championship U20 comes to South Africa next month 💪 🇿🇦#JuniorBoks #JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) April 16, 2025 'We worked with 80 players during our various training camps, which gave us a fantastic opportunity to test and assess our depth. 'I believe we have selected a competitive Junior Bok squad, consisting of players who have really put up their hand during the camps. 'A few missed out due to injury, while there are also a couple who were retained from last year. 'The players all did their part, and I am pleased with their effort. We could only announce a 31-man squad, but that doesn't mean those players who will not play in Nelson Mandela Bay are out of the reckoning for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.' Junior Springbok Squad Props: Ranon Fouché (Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (Western Province), Oliver Reid (Western Province). Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls), HB Odendaal (Lions). Locks: Neil Hansen (Lions), Morné Venter (Lions), Riley Norton (Western Province), JJ Theron (Bulls). Loose forwards: Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Matt Romao (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Thando Biyela (Lions). Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Elrich Visser (Cheetahs). Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Kyle Smith (Western Province). Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (Western Province). Outside backs: Scott Nel (Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), JC Mars (Western Province). Rugby Championship Under-20 Fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium): Thursday, 1 May – 2pm: New Zealand v Australia, 4.10pm: South Africa v Argentina Tuesday, 6 May – 2pm: New Zealand v Argentina, 4.10pm: South Africa v Australia Sunday, 11 May – 2pm: Argentina v Australia, 4.10pm: South Africa v New Zealand
