‘The future of our rugby is in good hands,’ says Kolisi after watching Junior Boks

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been left inspired by the Junior Springboks who are currently in action in the U20 Rugby Championship which also includes the junior teams from Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

The “Baby Boks” opened their campaign with a 36-25 win against Argentina in their opening match in Gqeberha on Thursday.

They next face Australia, also at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, on Tuesday, at 4.10pm.

Kolisi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, visited the Junior Boks at their training session in Gqeberha on Saturday.

‘Future in good hands’

“It’s amazing to see the boys and good to be in Gqeberha, where people are so hungry for rugby and to see our boys play,” said Kolisi.

“I can see they and the coaches are working hard, they have a great culture and I can see the future of our rugby is in good hands.”

When asked what he said to the players, Kolisi replied: “I just wished them luck and told them that, at this young age, it’s a huge privilege. They represent all of us in South Africa right now; this is their opportunity, and they must use it well. They are representing not just some people, but the whole of the country.

“They must enjoy the moment because the opportunity can be taken away just like that. I also told them to dream bigger than what is happening on the field – this is not the end for them, they want to kick on to the highest level.”

Message to rugby fans

Kolisi also had a special message for the rugby supporters in the Eastern Cape city, where the Boks will face Italy in July.

“I know I don’t have to urge the rugby supporters in Gqeberha to come and support the tournament and our boys,” said the Bok captain.

“I know they are going to attend because this province is hungry for rugby and big events. That’s why every time we come here it’s always full and the people come to welcome us at the airport.

“I want to say thanks in advance to the people in Gqeberha for coming out to support the boys and filling out the stadium – you can see this province can host big events and hopefully more will come after this.”

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said he and his teammates were excited to see the two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain attend their training session.

“Seeing Siya watch the training session and then his engagement with the squad and staff afterwards was a very special moment,” said Norton. “He is our hero and we are grateful for the inspiring words he shared with us and we thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.”