South Africa Government

06/23/2023 | Press release | Archived content

Minister Zizi Kodwa wishes Junior Boks well for World Rugby Under 20 Championships

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa wishes the South African national under 20 men's rugby team, the Junior Boks, well ahead of the 2023 World Rugby Under 20 Championships.

This tournament, which will be hosted in South Africa, is World Rugby's first international under 20 competition since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The matches of this 12-team tournament will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, and Paarl Gimnasium in Paarl.

Minister Kodwa says, "This is an exciting time for South Africa, as the country hosts yet another international sports competition. The World Rugby Under 20 Championships have unearthed many of the world's top rugby players and have been an occasion for people from around the world to gather and support the world's best young rugby players".

The tournament begins on Saturday, 24 July. The Junior Boks will play their first World Rugby Under 20 Championships match on the tournament's opening day against Georgia at Danie Craven Stadium. The final game of the tournament will take place on Friday,14 July at Athlone Stadium.

"This tournament is important, as it takes rugby to the people. It is significant that the semi-finals, the third and fourth place playoffs, and the final will all take place in Athlone", the Minister says.

Also flying the South African flag at the World Rugby Under 20 Championships will be referee Morne Ferreira, assistant referees Christopher Allison, Griffin Colby, Phumzile Mbewu and Dylen November, and television match officials Quinton Immelman and Marius van der Westhuizen.

Minister Kodwa says, "I have no doubt that under the leadership of coach Bafana Nhleko, captain Paul de Villiers and vice-captain Katlego Letebele, the Junior Boks will play their best and be great ambassadors for rugby in South Africa. I am also sure that the South African referees and organisers of the tournament will raise the country's flag sky high!"

Media enquiries:

Litha Mpondwana: Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture │ Cell: 081 821 8000/ 064 802 3003 │ Email: [email protected](link sends e-mail)

Zimasa Velaphi: Head of Communication and Marketing | Cell: 072 172 8925 | Email: [email protected](link sends e-mail)