The French U18 team have decided to withdraw from the U18 International Series following the tragic event earlier this week when one of their players, Medhi Narjissi, was swept out to sea during a recovery session at Cape Point.
The annual U18 series in South Africa is scheduled to start on Monday in Cape Town. The French squad returned home on Friday evening.
The schedule for the series has been revised following the withdrawal of France, with each round consisting of two matches which ensures that none of the remaining travelling teams’ fixtures are affected.
The first round kicks off at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town on Monday, with the SA U18 clash with France cancelled, while the SA U18 ‘A’ team’s three matches were reduced to one, against Georgia.
Georgia, who were originally scheduled to play the SA U18 ‘A’-side twice and France once, will now face England in their second match on Friday 16 August, and they will play Ireland on Tuesday, 20 August on the last of the three match days.
Although uncertainty currently exists due to injuries, Grey College should have three or four players returning from the South African "A" team while Paul Roos should see two boys returning for the big clash that will determine the top 1stXV team in South Africa on Saturday 17 August 2024.
Up North, Garsfontein will have smiles on their faces with all three of their players returning, although lock James Schnetler who was sent back due to a concussion could only be available for the NoordVaal Cup final should Garsfontein qualify. Garsfontein will host EG Jansen in the one semi-final on Saturday 17 August 2024 of the NoordVaal Cup competition, following their 39-15 win over EG Jansen on Saturday
Revised fixtures for the Under-18 International Series:
Monday, 12 August (Stellenberg HS)
13h30 England vs Ireland
15h30 South Africa "A" vs Georgia
Friday, 16 August (Paarl Gimnasium):
13h30: Georgia vs England
15h30: South Africa vs Ireland
Tuesday, 20 August (Paarl Boishaai)
13h30 South Africa vs England
15h30 Ireland vs Georgia