Standout Craven Week stars Markus Muller and Ethan Adams headline an impressive group of SA Under-18’s for next month’s International Series in Paarl.

The Western Province and Free State centres are likely to be the first-choice midfield combination.

Fresh off leading the Junior Springboks to a world title, Kevin Foote will turn his attention to the next wave of South African rugby stars as he oversees the SA Under-18 squads for that series.

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Foote and his SA U20 coaching staff will work closely with head coaches Lwazi Zangqa (SA U18) and Flash Malinga (SA U18 ‘A’) during the three-match series, which kicks off on 8 August and features top junior teams from England, France, Ireland, and Georgia.

The opportunity marks a crucial moment in SA Rugby’s effort to align its junior structures, with Foote’s involvement signalling a seamless link between U18 and U20 levels.

“The boys will be properly tested in their three games next month, as the visiting European teams are always strong,” said SA Rugby High Performance Manager Dave Wessels.

“These opportunities are hugely beneficial to our players. We’re excited to see what they can do.”

The 52 players named across the two squads include several returning names from last year’s U18 series, as well as standouts from the recent SA Schools match in Middelburg. The SA U18 side will face France, Ireland, and England, while the U18 ‘A’ team will take on Ireland, Georgia, and France.

Wessels emphasised the value of continuity in SA Rugby’s development system.

“Seven players in the 2025 Junior Bok squad played in the U18 International Series last year,” he noted.

“And several others are back for their second year in the U18 structures. That shows our Elite Player Development pipeline is working.”

Wessels added that involving Foote and his U20 staff is a deliberate move to strengthen alignment and accelerate player progression.

“Continuity among the junior ranks is crucial. By involving Kevin and his fellow SA U20 coaches, we hope to strengthen that even further.”

The U18 International Series will be hosted at Paarl Boys’ High, Boland Landbou, and Paarl Gimnasium on 8, 12, and 16 August.

SA U18
Props: JG Badenhorst (Cheetahs), Jordan Jooste (Western Province), Kai Pratt (SWD), Luan van der Berg (Bulls)
Hookers: Clinton Agu (Lions), Altus Rabie (Western Province)
Locks: AJ Meyer (Cheetahs), Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks), Jayden Joubert (Western Province)
Loose forwards: Chinedu Amadi (Lions), Jacobus de Villiers (SWD), Gert Kemp (Western Province), Josh Neill (Western Province), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks)
Halfbacks: Jayden Brits (Western Province), Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), Liyema Nela (Sharks), Morne Noble (Western Province)
Centres: Ethan Adams (Cheetahs), Markus Muller (Western Province), Christian Vorster (SWD)
Outside backs: Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks), Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs), Thabiso Simelane (Bulls), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Junaide Stuart (Bulls)

SA U18 ‘A’
Props: Bernhard du Toit (Western Province), Pieta Cilliers (Western Province), Jeffrey Singo (Bulls), Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province)
Hookers: Thomas Muller (Western Province), Keenan Myners (SWD)
Locks: Diaan Augustyn (SWD), Juvan Burden (Western Province), Lian Terblanche (Sharks), Migael Turner (Western Province)
Loose forwards: Briint Davids (Western Province), Andile Ndlovu (Sharks), Quintin Potgieter (Western Province), Franko Rossouw (Pumas)
Halfbacks: Mickyle Booise (Western Province), Zirk Meyer (Bulls), Jeandre Uithaler (Lions), Ethan van Biljon (Western Province)
Centres: Nathan Aneke (Sharks), Randall-John Davids (Western Province), Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks), Erin Nelson (Eastern Province)
Outside backs: Jeneall Davids (Western Province), Ncuthu Kepe (Border), Junade Pasensie (Bulls), Reinhart Viljoen (SWD)

Photo: Lubabalo Lesollei/Gallo Images