Mthethwa, who formerly served as an assistant coach with the Shimlas, will focus on developing the team’s backline and attack strategies. His appointment is part of a broader coaching overhaul under Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote and seasoned assistant Lumumba Currie.
In a move aimed at bolstering the Junior Springboks, SA Rugby has appointed Melusi Mthethwa to the national Under-20 team’s coaching staff.
Mthethwa, who formerly served as an assistant coach with the Shimlas, will focus on developing the team’s backline and attack strategies. His appointment is part of a broader coaching overhaul under Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote and seasoned assistant Lumumba Currie, who has led the forwards and scrum coaching over the past two seasons.
The core coaching team is now based in Stellenbosch, where they’ll prepare for a demanding international schedule in the coming year.
Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s General Manager for High Performance, expressed enthusiasm about Mthethwa’s addition. He noted Mthethwa’s experience with several junior and senior provincial teams, which showcases his potential to be a pivotal asset for the Junior Boks.
“Melusi was an integral part of the Shimlas team this year, where they played an attacking brand of rugby on their way to winning the FNB Varsity Cup,” Wessels stated. He praised Mthethwa’s technical skill and energetic approach, which he believes will make a lasting impact on the young players aiming for future Springbok careers.
Mthethwa began his coaching journey at North-West University’s Puk Rugby Institute and has since gained substantial experience with teams like the Leopards, Free State Under-19 and Under-21, the senior Toyota Cheetahs, CUT’s FNB Varsity Cup team, and the Suzuki Griquas in the Carling Currie Cup.
His success with the Shimlas further confirmed his credentials as a skilled and innovative coach.
Following a recent review of the Junior Boks’ 2024 season – which saw them place seventh in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship and second in the Under-20 Rugby Championship in Australia – SA Rugby has committed to strengthening its development pathway for young talent.
Wessels acknowledged the team’s disappointing results but outlined the planned improvements, including the involvement of specialist consultants like Duane Vermeulen and other experts who will contribute to developing players’ skills and athleticism.
For Mthethwa, joining the Junior Bok setup is a “massive honour,” and he looks forward to the opportunity. “It’s a privilege to serve your country,” Mthethwa said. “With the talent coming up through the Under-18 International Series and SA Rugby’s Under-19 and Under-21 competitions, we have a rich pool of young players ready to excel on the international stage.”
One of the major outcomes of the Junior Bok review is the launch of an SA Rugby Under-19 Academy squad, set to begin in mid-November at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
With over 40 promising players selected for this elite training group, the academy aims to prepare them for upcoming challenges, including the World Under-20 tournament, the Under-20 Rugby Championship, and a potential European tour.
Mthethwa’s appointment reflects SA Rugby’s focus on both immediate performance and long-term development, reinforcing the Junior Boks’ mission to groom future Springboks.
