Back on Top: Junior Springboks Crowned U20 world Champions After 13 Year Wait

South Africa’s Next Generation of Rugby Stars Have Done the Unthinkable and it Didn’t Come Easy.

On a sticky, sweat-drenched night in Rovigo, Italy, the Junior Springboks dug deep to deliver a performance for the ages. With grit, gees and plenty of heart, they held off a relentless New Zealand side to win the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship final 23-15 — their first title since 2012.

For head coach Kevin Foote, it was more than just a scoreboard victory. It was a statement of character.

A Final Built on Defence and Belief

“There were moments where they were hammering us on our own tryline,” said Foote after the match. “But we refused to budge. That’s what South African defence is all about. That’s our spirit.”

It wasn’t the prettiest game — the kind of rugby purists might dissect with raised eyebrows — but it was fiercely contested. In the Italian humidity, the ball slipped like soap, bodies collided in sweaty scrums, and the Kiwis came hard. But South Africa never broke.

From Stellenbosch to Stardom

The Junior Boks, captained by Riley Norton, arrived in Italy well-drilled and battle-hardened after months of training in Stellenbosch’s summer heat. That preparation, Norton said, made all the difference.

“We were ready for this,” he explained. “Even though we left SA in the middle of winter, our preps in Stellenbosch felt just like this. We sweated buckets during training — and it helped us keep our cool when it mattered most.”

Norton admitted the final was physically punishing: “The humidity was wild. Our jerseys were soaked. The ball was slippery. But we stuck to the basics and backed each other. This win is for everyone back home.”

A Special Group, a Proud Coach

This was more than just a win for Foote, who only took over the U20 coaching reins at the end of last year. It was a personal and patriotic triumph.

“I love our country, and I love the Springboks,” he said. “To be part of this chapter — with this incredible group of young men — is something I’ll never forget. Watching them grow from that first December training camp to lifting this trophy… it’s been magic.”

And while much has been said about South Africa’s deep rugby pipeline, this group’s resilience under pressure has reignited national pride. Social media buzzed with celebrations from players, alumni, and fans, many calling it a “reminder of the Springbok legacy.”

What’s Next for the Champs?

The Junior Springboks are expected to touch down in Johannesburg on Monday morning, where a hero’s welcome awaits. From there, players will return to their provincial setups — some likely heading for senior honours sooner than expected.

For now, though, South Africa can celebrate a hard-earned title that was 13 years in the making. The next generation of Springboks aren’t just coming — they’ve arrived.

Source:Sabc Sport 

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