Junior Boks U20 World Rugby Champs 2025
The stage is set for one of rugby’s most anticipated youth tournaments – the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025. And the Junior Springboks are ready to make their mark. Held in Italy this year, the tournament brings together the best young rugby talent from around the globe, offering fans a glimpse of the future of international rugby.
Indeed, the Junior Boks U20 World Cup 2025 campaign is more than just a test of skill, it’s a proving ground. With a rich tradition of excellence and a strong legacy to uphold, the Junior Boks are hungry to rise to the challenge as well as lift the coveted trophy.
When, Where, and How the Tournament Will Unfold
Kicking off on Saturday, 29 June, and wrapping up on Friday, 19 July, the junior Boks World Rugby Championship journey takes place in Italy across cities like Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona, as well as Viadana. This year’s format also includes 30 matches across five action-packed matchdays.
To clarify, the tournament structure includes three pools of four teams each. From there, the top teams advance to the semi-finals, while the rest compete for rankings. With only the best proceeding, every match becomes crucial. The Junior Springboks team will need to perform from the very first whistle.
Junior Boks Next Game and Full Fixture List
As for the Junior Boks next game, they open their campaign against Australia on 29 June at 14:30 in Calvisano. That game is followed by two more tough clashes. One against England and another against Scotland. Here’s a full breakdown of the Junior Boks World Rugby U20 Championship fixtures:
🗓️ Pool C Fixtures (CET Time)
- 29 June, 14:30 – South Africa vs Australia (Calvisano)
- 4 July, 16:00 – South Africa vs England (Rovigo)
- 9 July, 14:30 – South Africa vs Scotland (Calvisano)
Should the Junior Springboks qualify for the knockout stages, they’ll compete in the semi-finals on 14 July. And potentially the final or playoff on 19 July. Every game is a step closer to glory.
Junior Springboks Team for Italy
To ensure depth and versatility across all positions, Coach Bafana Nhleko has selected a well-balanced Junior Springboks team for the Junior Boks World Rugby U20 Championship. The squad features standout performers from domestic unions, each ready to rise to the occasion on the world stage.
The props include Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), and Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province). At hooker, Siphosethu Mnebelele and Jaundré Schoeman, both from the Vodacom Bulls, offer strength in the middle of the front row.
In the second row, the locks are Jaco Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls), and Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions), forming a solid engine room. The loose forwards, Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), and Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs), bring energy, breakdown ability, and mobility to the back row.
In the backline, the scrumhalves are Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), and Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs), with flyhalves Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks) and Ian van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls) guiding the attack.
The midfield centres include Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), and Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province). Finally, the outside backs, Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), and Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), offer blistering pace and finishing flair.
Recent Form and Momentum
Leading up to the tournament, the Junior Boks have tested themselves against top-tier competition. Most notably, they faced New Zealand in May, where they narrowly lost 48-45. Despite the result, the match revealed the team’s fighting spirit and tactical development.
Furthermore, a recent high-intensity training camp in Stellenbosch, followed by a pre-tournament trip to Italy, has helped fine-tune the squad. As a result, the Junior Springboks are entering the tournament confident, conditioned, and ready to fight for every inch.
Best Rugby Betting Sites in South Africa
If you’re looking to back the Junior Boks World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, some sportsbooks offer great odds as well as rugby betting markets. Here are some of the odds:
- England U20 3/1
- France U20 3/1
- New Zealand U20 3/1
- South Africa U20 6/1
Whether you prefer pre-match betting or live in-play action, these platforms deliver premium betting experiences:
- Wealth of promotions
- Varied games portfolio
- Fun and friendly
- Good bonuses with fair wagering requirements
- Slots, Aviator and Live Casino Games
- 24/7 support
- Optimised for mobile + data free offer
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Jika Sports, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- Welcome Bonus Bundle
- Modern Vegas Casino look
- Slots, Live Games & Betgames
Lets Back the Junior Boks!
In conclusion, the Junior Boks are Ready for the U20 World Rugby Championship Showdown in Italy! They have all the tools to make a strong run in the U20 World Cup 2025 and continue their Journey To Greatness. With a squad brimming with talent, strategic preparation, and national pride, they’re set to take on the world. As South African fans, all we can do is cheer, support and maybe place a smart bet or two.
Some other excellent rugby tournaments to keep on your radar is the British & Irish Lions Tour. As well as the start of the Springbok International Season. The Springboks will be facing the Barbarians on 28 June 2025 in Cape Town. It is sure to be quite the show down. Betting sites to consider are for example ZARbet who sponsor the Barbarians, Hollywoodbets, Betway to name just a few:
