All attendees are already part of the Elite Player Development system, positioning them as prime candidates for future selection to the SA Schools and Under-18 teams in 2025.
SA Rugby has announced the names of 58 rising stars selected to attend the Under-17 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp, set to take place at Boland Landbou from November 28 to December 5.
The camp aims to nurture the next generation of rugby talent and forms a critical part of SA Rugby’s pathway to professional excellence.
All attendees are already part of the EPD system, positioning them as prime candidates for future selection to the SA Schools and Under-18 teams in 2025.
The camp will focus on skills development, strength and conditioning, and other crucial areas of player growth under the guidance of a team of seasoned coaches. Gym and field sessions will complement technical and tactical rugby training, ensuring a well-rounded experience for the young athletes.
Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager for Development, will oversee the camp. The coaching team includes experts with proven experience, such as James Winstanley, Lwazi Zangqa, Cobus van Dyk, and Kathleho Lynch – all of whom have worked with the SA Under-18 team in recent seasons.
Ian Schwartz, General Manager of Participation and Development, expressed enthusiasm about the camp’s role in shaping the future of rugby in South Africa.
“We are excited to bring together these talented young players for the Under-17 EPD camp, which is a crucial step in their rugby development. This camp will not only give them the opportunity to showcase their skills but also to continue honing the fundamentals necessary to succeed at the next level. Our commitment to long-term player development is a key focus, and we are confident that this group of players will form a strong foundation for the future of South African rugby.”
As the kick-off date for the camp approaches, these young athletes will not only test their mettle but also refine the skills necessary to elevate their game to new heights. The camp at Boland Landbou promises to be a pivotal moment in their rugby journeys, setting the stage for their potential ascension to national and international prominence.
The squad features a diverse group of players representing unions from across the country.
The full Under-17 EPD squad is:
Bulls: Roal Kruger, Zirk Meyer, Albert Smit, Stefan McDonald, Nicolaas Grobler, Ruben Groenewald, Christiaan de Wet, Junaide Pasensie, Junaide Stuart, Luan van den Berg, Thabiso Simelane
Border: Robert-John Osonkwu
Eastern Province: Ukekwe Ikechukwe, Jayden Brewis, Damien Witbooi
Cheetahs: Toriq Schambreel, Ethan Adams
Lions: Chinedu Amadi, Jarrel Mbuyi, Andre Poulton, Brad Brown, Jeandre Uithaler
Griquas: Clinton Brits
Pumas: Vaughn van Zyl
Sharks: Lian Terblanche, Liyema Nela, Lwandile Mlaba, Sambesiwe Ndamase, Lizwe Mtetwa, Andile Ndlovu, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Jadrian Afrikaner, Wasi Vyambwera, Raphael Ajibade
SWD: Adrian Smith, Jacobus de Villiers, Kai Pratt, Ruan Swart, Keenan Myners
Western Province: Henry Rudder, Jayden Brits, Dante Christians, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste, Jayden Joubert, Tristan Joubert, Francois van der Merwe, Quinton Potgieter, Zheemo Isaacs, Markus Muller, Jeerahno Jagers, Luchwayito Mbaliswano, Altus Rabe, Gert Kemp, Travis Pheiffer, Josh Neill, Randal-John Davids, Sango Zangqa