The Junior Springboks will make a welcome return to the field for the first time since 2019 in an international series in Stellenbosch in June.

The SA U20 side will line up against Argentina, Georgia and Uruguay in a blockbuster four-round series at the Markotter Stadium.

The inclusion of Georgia in the tournament will mark a memorable occasion for the country, as their senior side will also be in South Africa, meeting the Springboks in back-to-back Tests on the first two weekends of July.

The Junior Springboks will begin their campaign against Uruguay on Friday, 18 June, and will then line up against Argentina on 23 June before facing Georgia on Monday 28 June.

Teams will receive four log points for a win, two for a draw and a bonus point for scoring four or more tries or suffering a defeat by seven points of less.

The series will culminate in a closing round with the top-two ranked teams and bottom two sides respectively meeting on Saturday, 3 July.

Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko will select his squad from the group of players who have been hard at work at the SA Rugby Academy since early April.

‘It’s great news that we are able to get international fixtures in such trying times and we are thankful to all who have made it possible,’ Nhleko said.

‘I’m happy for the boys that they have this opportunity and it is great reward for their hard work. They know how lucky they are to receive this chance because last year a very talented group of players missed out on U20 international rugby.

‘The U20 programme is an important step in the player pathway systems across the world. We have a responsibility to develop the players for the future, and the players and coaches understand the expectation to perform.

‘Argentina and Georgia have proven to be tough opposition in the last few years, and we expect the same test from a set-piece, physicality and skills perspective. The little we have seen of Uruguay is their quick play and breakdown contest.

‘We are looking forward to the privilege of being back on the field.’

U20 International Series fixtures:

Friday, 18 June
1pm – Georgia vs Argentina
3pm – Junior Springboks vs Uruguay

Wednesday, 23 June
1pm – Uruguay vs Georgia
3pm – Junior Springboks vs Argentina

Monday, 28 June
1pm – Junior Springboks vs Georgia
3pm – Uruguay vs Argentina

Saturday, 3 July
11am – Team 3 vs Team 4
1pm – Team 1 vs Team 2

Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images