Latest news with #WorldUnder-20Championship
1News
6 days ago
- Health
- 1News
'Red alert' — mouthguards to flash warning at Rugby World Cup
Mouthguards that flash red to signal a player needs checking for a head injury will be used by the Black Ferns and all other teams at the women's Rugby World Cup before being introduced to all top-flight rugby. According to figures from World Rugby, every player set to feature at the World Cup, which will be hosted by England from August 22 to September 27, has signed up to have one fitted by 3D intraoral scan. So-called "smart" mouthguards have been in use since 2023. The earlier generations sent a signal to a pitch-side laptop monitored by a doctor when it reached a certain lineal and rotational threshold. The markers were 75G of force for men and 65G for women, and 4500 radians per second squared. As it stood, such impacts led to the player going off the field for a 12-minute head injury assessment (HIA) once play had stopped. ADVERTISEMENT The newest generation to be used at the World Cup and beyond would send data as before but would be combined with a transparent mouthguard that would flash red instantly, with referees then advised to stop play. According to The Times, the mouthguards were not mandatory, but the World Rugby chief medical officer believed everyone should wear one and the number of men's players using them would inevitably rise. The mouthguards have recently been trialled in Major League Rugby and the World Under-20 Championship. Dr Éanna Falvey, chief medical officer at World Rugby, said there had been some resistance to the initiative particularly from men. "We've had players who decided that they don't like the fact that it's a Bluetooth device, we've had players that feel it's uncomfortable, we've had players who don't want to know," he said. 'The women's leagues and teams and competitions, I don't know the reason for it, but they're much more likely to collaborate, they're much more accepting and excited about opportunities in technology. 'We have full opt-in for the World Cup now. There are two people wearing braces so they physically can't wear it, but, other than that, we're full opt-in.' There have been issues with smart mouthguards sending false signals, including during the recent Super Rugby Pacific season. The Times reported that World Rugby data suggested that concussion rates were similar in women's rugby to the men's game, ALthough 'head acceleration' events wee 'significantly less likely' with women.
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Junior Springboks know how to connect, says coach Foote ahead of World U20 opener
Bathobele Hlekani Bathobele Hlekani will start at flank for the Junior Springboks on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix After a lengthy build-up, the Junior Springboks are 'feeling the energy' ahead of their World Under-20 Championship opener against Australia in Italy on Sunday. Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote announced his match-23 on Friday for the clash against the Junior Wallabies at the San Michele Stadium in Calvisano (3.30pm SA time kick-off), which boasts a number of top-class youngsters eager to make their mark on the global stage. Powerful forward Bathobele Hlekani will hope to make a big impression at blindside flank, having featured for the SA Under-20 in last year's tournament as well. The Junior Boks will be will be captained by Western Province lock Riley Norton, while other notable figures include fullback Gilermo Mentoe, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. 'We are extremely excited about starting the World Championship in Italy,' Foote said on Friday. 'It's a great country, and you can feel the energy within the group. 'The players have prepared well, they've got clarity, and they are just such a great group together. 'Selection is always tough and leaving some guys out is hard, but we've gone with a team that has played a lot together now, has a lot of synergy and understanding of our game, and knows how to connect on the field. 'We are very excited about the team that we have selected, with Riley Norton captaining the side, and he will be assisted by Haashim Pead, JJ Theron and Siphosethu Mnebelele.' Lock Jaco Grobbelaar and speedster Jaco Williams played for the senior Bulls and Sharks side in the United Rugby Championship last season, and will be keen to make significant contributions off the bench in the second. 'He's (Grobbelaar) trained very well since joining (last week),' Foote said. 'Having his big physical presence is fundamental to the way we want to play, and the same goes for Jaco Williams (outside back), who also joined late after completing his URC campaign with the Sharks. 'The nice thing about them is the calmness that they bring in their roles.' Junior Springbok Team 15 Gilermo Mentoe 14 Cheswill Jooste 13 Demitre Erasmus 12 Albie Bester 11 Siyabonga Ndlozi 10 Vusi Moyo 9 Haashim Pead 8 Wandile Mlaba 7 Bathobele Hlekani 6 Xola Nyali 5 JJ Theron 4 Riley Norton (captain) 3 Herman Lubbe 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele 1 Simphiwe Ngobese. Bench: 16 Jaundre Schoeman 17 Oliver Reid 18 Jean Erasmus 19 Jaco Grobbelaar 20 Matt Romao 21 Erich Visser 22 Ian van der Merwe 23 Jaco Williams.
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.'
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
Irish Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Diarmuid Mangan making rapid strides towards the top
It was always a case of 'when' Diarmuid Mangan would break into the Leinster team rather than 'if'. Even so, for him to describe the last 12 months since making his debut for the province away to Zebre as 'decent' must be one of the season's understatements. Mangan started his seventh match of Leinster's season in last Saturday's 41-17 win over Ulster and has played in six of the province's last seven games, making his Champions Cup debut off the bench against Glasgow a week previously. An athletic, skilful lock/backrow who was part of the Irish Under-20 team which won Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023 and also reached the World Under-20 Championship in 2023, in the midst of all this Mangan was also called up to the Irish senior squad during the Six Nations . READ MORE 'It definitely came as a shock,' admits the 22-year-old, who received the call from Simon Easterby the day after playing the full 80 in Leinster's tough 22-19 win away to the Ospreys. 'I was in my sittingroom roaring and shouting at my two brothers while trying to do my debrief from the game and then next minute, my phone started ringing. It was Simon Easterby's number and I was like to the two of them 'lads, you need to be quiet here. This is a serious phone call'. 'I was nervous going in but having the likes of Sam and Cian Prendergast in there, and Jamie Osborne as well, helped,' says Mangan. 'I would have known Jamie from playing at Naas Rugby Club and I would have lived with him for two years, so having him, Sam and Cian in there definitely gave me a bit of comfort. 'I could bounce things off those lads and chat to them about kind of what it was going to be like. I learned loads in that camp and it's an environment I really want to get back to.' Diarmuid Mangan with Daniel Hawkshw, left, and Sam Prendergast, right, on Ireland Under 20 duty in 2023. Photograph: Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Sam Prendergast is a good friend, as well as team-mate through the ranks, since they were five-years-old. 'Our dads were both in the Army, working with the UN in Syria. Our families would have been very close and have a good connection. So, it's class to be able to play in these games with him and it feels so natural. It's unbelievable when you take a step back and realise this is something we chatted about when we were 15/16 and playing at Newbridge together and it's happening now. 'He takes everything in his stride and he's so calm,' adds Mangan, admitting the younger Prendergast has been both an inspiration and a sounding board. 'We would be over at his house for barbecues when we're younger, we'd always be playing on the green. I've got three brothers and there was himself and Cian so we'd always be playing tag rugby, soccer, Gaelic. His skill level is just unbelievable. Like you can see it now he's able to kick off both feet, his range of passing is unbelievable. He's always had those skills.' On Mangan's sole weekend off in this run of Leinster games, he made his sixth AIL appearance of the season for UCD in a side featuring eight Leinster players, including four who played in the province's win over the Sharks in Durban a week previously, which preserved the club's 1A status with a 40-10 last-day win at Young Munster. 'They have been huge for me and stayed huge for me. As an academy player, the physicality is just that small bit below the URC and if you're not selected for URC or Champions Cup, you are getting a great test on a Saturday. You can take huge confidence from big performances in there to go into these URC games. Dan Sheehan's father, Barry, is the president. So it was so nice to be involved in keeping the club up.' In what's been a hectic few months, Mangan has also taken enormous pride in travelling down to Cork with his parents to support his younger brother Ciarán in Ireland's Under-20 Six Nations campaign. 'It was great to share those experiences and hopefully I'll get to play with him, fingers crossed, with Leinster over the next few years.'
