Josh Neill’s rise in green is another reminder that South Africa’s school system produces world-class talent for others as well as itself.
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Writing for the Sunday times Keohane says Ireland’s gain is South Africa’s loss after the former SA U18 loose forward delivered a man match for ireland against Italy in Cork.
Less than a year ago, SA Rugby hailed Neil as a rising Western Province and SA Schools star.
However Neill, who matriculated at Rondebosch Boys’ High in 2025, made the call in Grade 11 that his rugby future would be in Ireland, qualifying through Irish grandparents.
The Stormers made every attempt to keep him in Cape Town. So did South African rugby. But this decision, as Keohane notes, “was bigger than rugby”.
Neill had already worn green and gold at U18 level in 2024 and 2025. His departure follows a familiar pattern across rugby and cricket, where South African school products increasingly pursue international futures elsewhere.
Rondebosch director of rugby Clinton van Rensburg described Ireland as having secured a gem, praising Neill’s leadership and explosiveness.
History supports that view. Dion O’Cuinneagain captained both Ireland and the Springboks Sevens after schooling at Bosch and CJ Stander played 51 Tests for Ireland.
Both are now living back in South Africa.
Beyond the men’s senior competitions, SA Rugby also confirmed key dates across the women’s, youth and club landscapes. The domestic season will begin with the rebranded Women’s Super League 1 on 15 February, while the Women’s Super League 2 gets underway on 4 July.
The annual Youth Weeks will again see alignment between boys’ and girls’ competitions. The U18 Craven Week and U18 Girls Week will take place from 6 to 11 July at Grey High School in Gqeberha, followed by SA Schools matches on 16 July. The U16 Grant Khomo Week and U16 Girls Week will be hosted by Kearsney College in Durban from 29 June to 3 July.
