Steinhoff Maties Rugby player Ernst van Rhyn has been named captain of the South African U20 team to play at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia in June.

Van Rhyn is joined by fellow Matie Wikus Groenewald in the squad of 28, while the team will be coached by former Maties coach and current Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux.

Van Rhyn was the SA U20 vice-captain last season and the SA Schools captain in 2015. "In this rugby crazy country that we live in I believe many boys grow up with the dream to play for their country. So for us to get this opportunity is an amazing privilege and we will give our all to make our country proud," said Van Rhyn.

Commenting on the selection of the captain, Roux spoke highly of Van Rhyn and said: "Ernst is a hard worker on the field and has proved his worth as a leader in the last few seasons at the SA Schools team and the SA U20s last year. A captain has to lead by example and ensure that there is cohesion in the team at all times, and these qualities will be vital in guiding us through the competition."

The Junior Springboks will face France, Georgia and Argentina in the pool stages of the international spectacle in Tbilisi, which runs from 31 May to 18 June. The team will depart for Georgia on Thursday, 25 May.