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Leinster, Munster among 7 clubs chasing South African schools sensation
By Neil Fissler
The starting gun has been sounded in the seven-club race that will see Irish giants Munster and Leinster in a toe-to-toe fight to sign highly-rated South African prodigy Josh Neill.
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The Rondebosch Boys’ High School and Springbok Under-18 back row, who can play as either a blindside flanker or No. 8, has an Irish passport, which is why the arch-United Rugby Championship rivals are slugging it out for his signature.
Neill has been in superb form for his school and Western Province U18 over the last year, and heads of recruitment from teams across the globe have been beating a path to his door with contracts in hand.
The Rondebosch lineout caller, who has also represented his country at schoolboy level, has got all four of the South African URC sides — the Bulls, the Sharks, the Lions and his home team, the Stormers — chasing him.
Leicester Tigers would like to take him to the Premiership but are considered to be outsiders in the battle because of the interest from the Emerald Isle.
Clips of Neill in action for Rondebosch recently have been attracting hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, adding to the hype surrounding him that appears to be growing by the week.
The Neill family already have a strong connection with sport in Ireland. His older brother, Jordan, plays cricket for Munster Reds, was part of the Ireland squad for the 2024 U19 World Cup, and is tipped to win full international honours.
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A well-placed RugbyPass source in South Africa told us: “Josh is so good and has been incredible at schoolboy level. He has been playing at school level for two years in a row, and as a back-rower, that is crazy rare.
“But in South Africa, we just have so many back-rowers he could easily disappear. We just want freaks and don’t develop talent anywhere near as well as Ireland. I would be confident of him playing for Ireland if he went over.”
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He’d best be careful with the charm offensive in Ireland. Leinster Academy is very strong and as a blow in, particularly a SA one, old school tie, internal politics and joisting for position within the camps and between them could well see him being undermined. A victim of others ego and point scoring. Suddenly, it’s “Oh well, he couldn't crack it” yet he’s been looked at by those with a agenda from a jaundiced view. Ireland is not as welcoming as it makes out to be so wait until the fans see him as a threat to one of their own or, god forbid, he doesn't immediately show himself as a constant turn over, hard charging try scoring machine. Kenyon Knox was made promises and look at him know. Great player, with prospects, but not developed by Munster and shut out with few opportunities. Now gone at 26 and trying to rebuild a career in Frances 3rd tier.
The answer to the question of choosing to go to Ireland or stay in SA is as follows:
How many kids from SA that joined NH clubs straight out of school have gone on be first choice starters for their clubs and play for their adopted national teams?
The fact of the matter is that development of South African rugby players does not start & end at school level, that is only the first hurdle.
The real development comes from the proverbial “gladiatorial fight for their life” over the next 2 to 4 years in the SA university and provincial setups to rise above the rest of the players.
It begins here. The prophecy will be fulfilled.
Ireland will finally win a knockout game at the RWC 2027 and back it up by going all the way. This young pup, Neill will be the difference in the final. He’ll win it for us.
South African and Irish relations will be restored to blissfulness.
Tidy looking player.
When it comes to player development, RSA has proven it’s credit. If we talking about chances that players get to represent the Boks that’s something else. Only few players had that opportunity from school boy knowing that they'll make it to represent the Boks (Pollard).
If the lad has an Irish passport, that must mean he has heritage back to grandparents, I would assume. So he would be Irish qualified. Surely there will be a strong attempt to keep him in SA though ?
Well that’s what they said, but they do also have lots of other freaks they’ll be trying to keep at the same time. It normally comes down to whos most desperate right?
Why would anyone not want to develop in the most advanced rugby region then test yourself before going to Ireland too early. Et some curry cup and Stormers experience first would be my suggestion
Don’t develop players in SA? Really?
Yeah no wonder the “source” isn't named because they are talking rubbish.