South African with Springbok link named in Junior All Blacks squad

South Africa-born scrumhalf Jordi Viljoen, who has strong ties to Springbok rugby, has been included in the New Zealand squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in South Africa this month.

Viljoen’s grandfather Joachim Frederick Viljoen, fondly known as Joggie, was capped six times for the Springboks in the 1970s, while his father, Joggie jnr, represented Western Province, the Stormers and SA Schools in his heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Jordi Viljoen was born in Pretoria, but was young when his family moved to New Zealand where he grew up.

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WATCH: SOUTH AFRICAN-BORN JORDI VILJOEN SPEAKS

Head coach Clark Laidlaw and assistant coaches Marty Bourke and Wesley Clarke selected 30 players to head to South Africa, following two close games against the Junior Wallabies last week.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a talented cohort of players to select from, all of which showcased their potential against the Junior Wallabies,” said head coach Clark Laidlaw.

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“We want to congratulate the players selected, in what will be a special day for them and their families who I’m sure will be proud of their achievements. It’s great to have a talented young group heading off to the World Rugby U20 Championships in South Africa.”

Laidlaw also appointed Noah Hotham (Tasman) as captain and Peter Lakai (Wellington) and Taha Kemara (Waikato) as vice-captains of the team.

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JUNIOR ALL BLACKS SQUAD LIST