Junior Boks surprise with overseas pick
Tiaan Jacobs, who currently plays in France at ProD2 club Biarritz, was a surprise selection in the 31-player touring group.
The Junior Springboks have reportedly left local rugby bosses concerned after naming a France-based player in the squad for the inaugural U20 Rugby Championship.
Bafana Nhleko on Thursday named the first Junior Springbok squad for the year, as South Africa takes part in the first U20 version of the Rugby Championship, along with hosts Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
Loose forward Tiaan Jacobs, who currently plays in France at ProD2 club Biarritz, was a surprise selection in the 31-player touring group.
A graduate of Selborne College in the Eastern Cape, Jacobs joined Biarritz after matriculating in 2022 and is the only overseas-based player in the squad.
The 1.93m, 107kg flank has played seven games in the ProD2 this season and has also been utilised at lock, offering an experienced utility option to the Junior Springboks.
However, according to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the decision to call up Jacobs has surprised some of South Africa’s rugby bosses, who fear it may open the door for an exodus of youth players.
“We’re going to run out. Other youngsters will now also consider overseas contracts,” an unnamed boss told Rapport.
Jacobs’ selection has come as more of a surprise given that SA Rugby has previously refused to select high school players who have signed contracts to join French clubs after school for the SA U18 and SA Schools team.
“There is no formal policy in place, but it is important to distinguish between SA Schools players and the Junior Boks,” an SA Rugby spokesperson explained to Rapport.
“In the latter case, when a player is working professionally at a club, but is committed to South Africa – whether here or overseas – he will come to the attention of the selectors.”
