The SA Rugby U19 Cup is back after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the competition over the past few seasons, with four top unions set to fight for the title.
The Bulls U19s won the title when the tournament was staged in 2019, the last time it took place. In the 2022 edition of the tournament, only four teams will feature following the withdrawal of Eastern Province, the Leopards and Lions.
Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko has welcomed the news of the recommenced U19 provincial action.
“The resumption of the national U19 competition is further great news for our young provincial rugby players, who were especially hard hit by the damage caused by the pandemic,” said Nhleko.
“The reopening of schools rugby, the staging of the SA Rugby Youth Weeks, as well as the SA Schools and SA U18 international fixtures earlier this year have all presented our talented young rugby players with wonderful opportunities to play the game once more on a regular basis.
“Furthermore, the addition of a competitive U19 provincial competition will no doubt assist with the early development of our next generation of rugby players, and it bodes well for us with the World Rugby U20 Championship back on the calendar next year,” added the Junior Bok coach.
On a more strategic level, Nhleko added: “The rugby department [at SA Rugby] and Junior Springbok coaches will be keeping a keen eye on U19 proceedings, especially with next year’s intake for SA Rugby Academy programme and the resumption of the World Rugby U20 Championship in mind.”
The opening round of the SA Rugby U19 Cup on 29 October features the Sharks against the Cheetahs in Durban, while Western Province host the Bulls the same day in Cape Town.
On the following Saturday, 5 November, the Bulls take on the Cheetahs in Pretoria, and WP welcome the Sharks to Cape Town for their round-two fixture.
The final round of fixtures is scheduled for Saturday, 12 November when the Cheetahs are at home to WP in Bloemfontein, and the Bulls travel to Durban to face the Sharks.
Following the completion of the three rounds, the team who collected the most log points during on the league will be crowned as 2022 SA U19 Cup champions.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
