Leinster poach Irish-qualified South African schools star for academy

Some signing!

The backrower is currently attending Rondebosch Boys’ High School in Cape Town and plays his club rugby with Western Province.

Leinster academy manager, Simon Broughton, revealed that he would join their year one intake when his schooling finishes in the new year.

He was recently named in the South Africa U18s squad for their summer games against France, England and Ireland.

In-the-know pundit, Bernard Jackman, wrote on X: "Excellent recruit by @leinsterrugby ‘s Guy Easterby. Josh was highly sought after by the big South African franchises but decided to get over to Ireland earlier in his career than most do".

Judging by footage, he looks likely to be part of the Ireland U20s squad next year, and could get a senior Leinster cap as well.

When rumours of a potential move to Ireland first emerged in April, a source for RugbyPass said: “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.”

Neill's brother Jordan is already in Ireland and playing cricket with Northern Knights.

He has represented Ireland U19s and made his senior debut for Ireland in their ODI against the West Indies this summer.