Emerging Boks squad announced

Coach Chester: Williams heading IRB Nations defence

The South African Rugby Union has named the SA Emerging Boks squad to defend the IRB Nations Cup next month in Romania.

The international representative tournament, which features a blend of A-teams from top unions and full Test teams from developing unions, will again be played in Bucharest from 11 to 20 June.

Peter Jooste, convenor of the national selectors, confirmed that the 26-man squad will assemble tomorrow in Cape Town. Former World Cup-winning Springbok Chester Williams will coach the team.

"This is the strongest possible team we could pick considering the demands of the incoming Test series, Springbok Sevens and SA U20 duties," explained Jooste.

"The Nations Cup will give many of these players a first taste of international rugby and they will be motivated to make the most of this opportunity."

The squad includes three players who last year helped the team to Nation Cup honours - Howard Noble (Cheetahs), Hilton Lobberts and Sangoni Mxoli (both Blue Bulls).

The SA Emerging squad:

Backs: Justin St Jerry (Golden Lions), Sarel Pretorius (Griquas), Isma-eel Dollie (Western Province), Rocco Jansen (Blue Bulls), Morgan Newman (Western Province), Howard Noble (Free State Cheetahs), Bjorn Basson (Griquas), Joey Mongalo (Blue Bulls), Lollo Waka (Leopards), Rudi Vogt (Pumas), Jody Rose (Golden Lions), Richard Lawson (Western Province).

Forwards: Janro van Niekerk (Boland Cavaliers), Greg van Jaarsveld (Border Bulldogs), Phillip Lemmer (Free State Cheetahs), Kobus Grobler (Golden Lions), Hendrik Roodt (Blue Bulls), Zolani Mofu (Boland Cavaliers), Hilton Lobberts (Blue Bulls), Devon Raubenheimer (SWD Eagles), Jody Jenneker (Natal Wildebeest), Sangoni Mxoli (Blue Bulls), Jacobie Adriaanse (Western Province), Berend Botha (Blue Bulls), Carel Hoffman (Blue Bulls), Robert Kruger (Leopards).