THE national Under-20 men’s rugby team aims to make history by winning the Under-20 Rugby Championship title for the first time since the competition was established in 2024.
This competition brought together four countries under the SANZAAR organization, which are South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
The first one held on the Sunshine Coast in 2024 was won by New Zealand, as was the one last year which was played in Gqeberha in May.
This time, the local team became world champions after winning the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy last July.
One of the players who were present when the Junior Bokke won the World Cup, who are expected to play a major role in winning this ongoing competition in Gqeberha, is Phiwayinkosi ‘Rambo’ Kubheka who plays forward in the prop.
This player (20) from Zakheni, Mnambithi, started playing rugby at the age of seven while studying at Monument Primary School.
His brilliance led him to study at Maritzburg College, where he led the rugby team in many school competitions, and was also picked up by the Sharks junior team.
It didn’t take long for him to join the national teams as in 2024 he was selected for the SA Under-18, and at the beginning of 2025 he was called to the Junior Bokke.
The local Under-20 team, coached by Kevin Foote, opened the tournament well, defeating Argentina 48-21.
However, it needs good results in the upcoming games to fulfill the dream of winning this tournament.
The Junior Bokke will play against Australia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday at 4.10 pm, and close by facing New Zealand next Saturday. Last year they failed to defeat these teams.
New Zealand also won their opening match beating Australia 34-29 on Monday.
The team that will get the most points in the three games they will play will win the title.