SA Schools team heading for International Series
SA Schools team vs an abundance of international teams.
Photo: Gallo Images
SOUTH African Schools team will again have the opportunity to test themselves against quality international opposition in August, with clashes lined up against France, Wales and England in the annual u.18 International Series.
In the last four years the SA Schools team, which is sponsored by Coca-Cola, participated in the series with great success by remaining unbeaten. With a healthy rugby development system in SA, they will aim to repeat this feat for the fifth time in August following the decision by the English, French and Welsh u.18 teams to return to SA this year.
The SA Schools team will face France in their first match of the series at the City Park Stadium in Cape Town on August 15, Wales at Outeniqua Park in George on August 19, and England at the Paul Roos Markotter ground in Stellenbosch on August 23.
The Italy u.18 team will also travel to South Africa for clashes against the Western Province and SWD Craven Week teams and a SARU Academy XV respectively, which will precede the clashes between the other four u.18 teams.
SA Schools trials squad will be selected by the national selectors following the conclusion of the u.18 Coca-Cola Craven Week in Middelburg from July 14 to 19. A trial match, which will assist in finalising the 28-man SA Schools squad, will take place on July 26 at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.
“The u.18 International Series serves as a fantastic opportunity for our most talented young players to experience international rugby, so we are delighted to welcome these teams back to our shores,” said SARU CEO Jurie Roux.
“Over the years we have seen many players graduate from the Coca-Cola Youth Weeks to the SA Schools team and then to either to our provincial unions or the Springbok team. We believe this tough competition for our school players will ensure that they are adequately prepared for the demands and challenges of international rugby in future.”
SARU u.18 International Fixtures 2014:
Friday August 15 – City Park Stadium, Cape Town
12:00 – Italy vs WP Craven Week XV
14:00 – England vs Wales
16:00 – SA vs France
Tuesday August 19 – Outeniqua Park, George
12:00 – Italy vs SWD Craven Week XV
14:00 – England vs France
16:00 – SA vs Wales
Saturday August 23 – Paul Roos Markotter Stadium, Stellenbosch
12:00 – Italy vs SARU Academy XV
14:00 – France vs Wales
16:00 – SA vs England
