A key member of the South Africa U18 side will join Leinster’s academy at the end of the year.
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Leinster academy manager Simon Broughton confirmed on Tuesday that Josh Neill had been added to the year one academy intake.
The Ireland-qualified loose forward is currently attending Rondebosch Boys’ High in Cape Town
Neill captained Western Province at the U18 Craven Week and was named Player of the Tournament. He then featured for SA U18 against France, Ireland and England in the U18 International Series.
He has an older brother, Jordan, who is already based in Ireland and currently playing cricket with the Northern Knights.
His potential move has drawn widespread attention, not just in Ireland but across the rugby world. South African URC franchises like the Stormers, Bulls, Lions, and Sharks were also keen to secure his services. English Premiership side Leicester Tigers reportedly showed interest too. Even Munster, Leinster’s fierce provincial rival, had been hoping to bring him into their system. However, Leinster now appears to have won the race, and the talented loose forward is expected to join their academy setup by the end of 2025.
Neill’s family ties to Ireland may have played a role in the decision. His older brother, Jordan Neill, has already worn the green jersey at the under-19 level in cricket and has been involved with Ireland’s senior squad. That existing connection to Irish sport, combined with the professional pathway offered by Leinster, likely made Dublin an appealing destination for Josh.
The Leinster Academy is known for producing some of the best rugby talent in Europe. With its strong emphasis on player development and close integration with the senior team, Neill will have access to world-class coaching and facilities. This move could significantly accelerate his path to professional rugby and potentially even an Ireland call-up in the years ahead.
For Irish rugby, the arrival of a player like Josh Neill represents both a short-term boost in academy depth and a long-term opportunity to add a highly promising, Irish-qualified back-rower to the national talent pool. For Neill, it’s a chance to step into a system that values youth, has a track record of producing internationals, and competes at the highest levels of European rugby.
