ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2024
POSITION:
No. 8 / Flank
CLUB TEAM:
Stormers (Cape Town - SA)
HOMETOWN:
Durbanville
DOB:
July 19, 2006
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Reuben Kruger is a promising South African rugby union loose forward, specializing as a number eight, who has quickly risen through the youth ranks of Western Province. Born around 2007 in the Western Cape, the 18-year-old stands at an imposing 1.95 meters (6 ft 5 in) and weighs approximately 105 kg, bringing power and athleticism to the back row. He attended a Western Province-affiliated school, where he first caught attention in schoolboy rugby, before progressing to provincial and national youth setups.
Kruger's junior career gained momentum in 2024 when he was selected for the South Africa Under-18 squad for the annual international series. Named among the forwards in the SA U18 'A' team, he featured in matches against strong opponents, including a tour to the United Kingdom where the side faced England, France, and Wales. His inclusion highlighted his breakdown work and carrying ability, contributing to a competitive showing in a tournament that serves as a key pathway to higher levels.
Building on this, Kruger was a standout for the DHL Western Province Under-19 team in the 2025 SA Rugby Under-19 Cup. He played a pivotal role in their campaign, starting in several matches during the round-robin phase and helping WP secure a spot in the final against the Vodacom Bulls U19 on October 17, 2025, in Pretoria—though they fell short in the title decider. His performances earned him recognition as one of the province's top young forwards, with WP forwards coach noting his "explosive" ball-carrying and defensive reliability.
By October 2025, Kruger's trajectory accelerated further with his selection to the SA Rugby U19 Academy training group for an upcoming European tour. This elite squad, a direct feeder for the Junior Springboks, includes seven WP players, with Kruger listed alongside props Oliver Reid, Danie Kruger, and Henry du Plessis, and fellow loose forwards Aiden de Costa and Riley Norton. The program focuses on high-intensity matches against international opposition, positioning Kruger for potential involvement in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, where South Africa will defend their title.
Speculation among rugby enthusiasts already pegs Kruger as a cornerstone of the 2026 Junior Boks loose trio.
Kruger's junior career gained momentum in 2024 when he was selected for the South Africa Under-18 squad for the annual international series. Named among the forwards in the SA U18 'A' team, he featured in matches against strong opponents, including a tour to the United Kingdom where the side faced England, France, and Wales. His inclusion highlighted his breakdown work and carrying ability, contributing to a competitive showing in a tournament that serves as a key pathway to higher levels.
Building on this, Kruger was a standout for the DHL Western Province Under-19 team in the 2025 SA Rugby Under-19 Cup. He played a pivotal role in their campaign, starting in several matches during the round-robin phase and helping WP secure a spot in the final against the Vodacom Bulls U19 on October 17, 2025, in Pretoria—though they fell short in the title decider. His performances earned him recognition as one of the province's top young forwards, with WP forwards coach noting his "explosive" ball-carrying and defensive reliability.
By October 2025, Kruger's trajectory accelerated further with his selection to the SA Rugby U19 Academy training group for an upcoming European tour. This elite squad, a direct feeder for the Junior Springboks, includes seven WP players, with Kruger listed alongside props Oliver Reid, Danie Kruger, and Henry du Plessis, and fellow loose forwards Aiden de Costa and Riley Norton. The program focuses on high-intensity matches against international opposition, positioning Kruger for potential involvement in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, where South Africa will defend their title.
Speculation among rugby enthusiasts already pegs Kruger as a cornerstone of the 2026 Junior Boks loose trio.