‘Highly-rated’ ex-Springbok lands coaching role with South Africa U20s
The Junior Boks have bolstered their coaching group ahead of the 2026 Junior World Cup, with Barend Pieterse joining the ranks
Former Springbok Barend Pieterse will join the coaching ranks of the South African U20 side, ahead of their Junior World Cup defence next year.
The ex-Lions, Cheetahs and Eastern Province man, who made one appearance for the Springboks against the Barbarians in 2007, will serve on the coaching staff for the next three years as a lineout and breakdown consultant, where he will assist current Junior Boks forwards coach Lumumba Currie.
He also fills the role vacated by current Bulls coach Johann Ackermann, who held the post last year.
Barend Pieterse joins Junior Boks coaching ranks
Pieterse brings a wealth of senior coaching experience to the Junior Boks group, following stints with the senior Springboks during the 2023 World Cup triumph as well as his current role as forwards coach for the Lions.
Commenting on the news, Dave Wessels, general manager high performance at SA Rugby, said: “Barend comes highly-rated as well as having previously worked with many of the staff in the Junior Springbok system, so there is a natural ‘fit’.”
“Ackers (Johan Ackermann) provided valuable expertise in 2025 and we’re sure that Barend will provide the same in 2026.”
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Pieterse will join up with the Junior Boks on their next training camp in Stellenbosch in the new year, as they begin preparations for the 2026 campaign.
They first travel to Georgia in February before taking part in the U20s Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in April and May.
From there, they will return to Georgia for their Junior World Cup defence in July, as they firmly set their sights on another title triumph. They will face stern competition from the likes of England, New Zealand, France and Australia during the tournament, however.
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