The SA Under-18 side completed a perfect 2026 U18 International Series with a 68-40 win over England at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town, capping a historic clean sweep in which both South African teams went unbeaten across all six matches.
For the first time in the competition's history — established by SA Rugby more than a decade ago — neither the SA U18s nor the SA U18 'A' side suffered a loss. The senior team beat France 52-7, Ireland 51-15, and England 68-40, while the 'A' side defeated Ireland 32-31, Georgia 20-0, and France 51-26. The main squad's points aggregate across the three matches stands at 171 for and 62 against, a difference of +109.
Capitain Jacobus de Villiers, the Oakdale and SWD No 8, was outstanding throughout the series, scoring five tries off powerful forward surges. Head coach Lwazi Zangqa, who has now guided the SA U18s through an unbeaten campaign in both 2025 and 2026, was quick to credit the country's school rugby structures alongside the Elite Player Development programme.
"Us as selectors and coaches probably have the easiest job in just identifying the talent, but this is bred through many years of school pre-seasons, off-seasons, and in-seasons," said Zangqa. "It would be an injustice not to acknowledge how much South African schools' rugby programmes contribute towards the pathway."
Zangqa also highlighted the direct involvement of Junior Bok coaching staff — those who guided the SA U20s to back-to-back global success — who provided input during the tournament. "They are seasoned veterans, and having them there to offer insights on things we might have missed was really invaluable."
The SA U18 side have now won nine consecutive matches over a three-year period against England, France, Ireland and Georgia, while the 'A' side have won five of their last six series matches.