Another young SA rugby star commits to Ireland
· The South African
Earlier this year, a few headlines would have caught the eyes of SA rugby fans after Cape Town-born Josh Neill continued to impress for the Ireland U19s.
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The talented loose forward is being touted as future star for Ireland, and Neill has now been joined by another South African rugby star, centre Rourke O’Sullivan, who matriculated from Michaelhouse last year.
O’Sullivan, who has joined Connacht’s academy, represented Ireland in a U19 clash against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park last weekend and he is the third member of the 2025 school-leaving class to make the move to Ireland.
Bishops utility back Rynard Gordon has joined Ulster’s academy. The teenager, is a versatile utility back who represented Bishops at various age-group levels and featured for their 1st XV last season before heading overseas.
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When it comes to Rourke O’Sullivan, Michaelhouse posted the following from his mother, Siobhan, on their Facebook page to share what had inspired the move.
Michaelhouse posted the following message from Rourke’s mother, Siobhan, on their Facebook page: “Having an Irish passport opened doors, but the right connections within the IRFU, especially through James Fleming, were invaluable. In July of his matric year, Rourke gave up his holiday and played in the IQ Rugby (Irish Qualified) series, giving him exposure within the IRFU programme. It took determination and sacrifice to move to Ireland rather than follow his friends to UCT or Stellenbosch.”
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Meanwhile, Neill’s career took a turn when he opted to activate his Irish eligibility via his grandparents, a move that saw him swap the Stormers’ pathway for a spot in the prestigious Leinster Academy.
“My dad’s side of the family would be Irish. My grandparents originally came as missionaries and lived in Zambia. My dad was born in Zambia and then moved to South Africa. That’s kind of where the connection comes from,” Neill told Virgin Media sports.
“I wouldn’t say it was always on the radar. As a kid you’re just growing up trying to enjoy your rugby. By the time I got to under 16 I was approached, but I kind of put that on hold. I was still a 16-year-old kid and didn’t really want to think about after school.
“After the international series in August last year, Leinster and the IRFU had made contact and it started to become a reality where I needed to make a decision about where I wanted to go. For me it was just an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t say no to,” says Neill, who is still just 18 years old.
According to Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote, who remained in contact with Neill’s representatives, the move from South African to Ireland was a carefully considered career decision.
Foote noted that while South African franchises (specifically Western Province) “tried very hard to keep him,” but Neill ultimately made a decision he felt was “best for his future.”