Next generation sign on at Province

With the Under-19 and Under-21 provincial competitions kicking-off this weekend, Western Province have announced a raft of new signings at Under-21 level.

And at the heart of these signings is a core group of players that helped the South African Under-20 team to glory at last month's 2012 IRB Junior World Championship.

Junior World champions, prop Ollie Kebble, along with backs Dillyn Leyds, Kobus van Wyk, Pat Howard and Tshotsho Mbovane, have all committed their futures to Western Province.

Kebble (prop) and Leyds (flyhalf) will travel to Johannesburg with the WP U21 team this weekend, for their season-opener against the Lions Under-21 on Saturday.

Western Province Rugby (Pty) Ltd MD Rob Wagner commented: "What people tend to forget is that established Super Rugby players like Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi are all still Under-21 this season.

"That's why it was so important to also sign the next generation in the shape of Ollie, Dillyn, Kobus, Pat and Tshotsho.

"We have faith that these players have the ability to join their counterparts at senior level in the not to distant future and we look forward to seeing them grow in the years to come."