The Sharks will have to release Curwin Bosch to the Junior Springboks if he is selected by coach Chean Roux.

The 19-year-old has been a standout performer in the early rounds of Super Rugby, and in the absence of Pat Lambie is fast becoming the Sharks’ primary playmaker.

Bosch looks a sure bet to be included in the Junior Boks squad for the U20 World Championship in Georgia from 31 May to 18 June. However, he has been allowed to skip two training camps – including the current one in Bloemfontein – as courtesy to the Sharks ahead of their crucial matches against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday, and a home game against the Jaguares next week.

He would then be required to join the U20 squad for the final two camps from 18 April to 12 May and 21-25 May. But the Sharks were under the impression that Bosch would be available for all their matches, including their last game before the international break against the Stormers on 27 May.

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SA Rugby has now stepped in and confirmed to Sport24 that the Sharks have to release Bosch to the Junior Boks on whatever dates Roux needs him in the lead-up to and during the U20 competition.

If he attends the final two camps as required for all SA U20 squad members, Bosch will be unavailable for the Sharks’ matches against the Kings, Sunwolves and Stormers.

Allister Coetzee, though, may yet select the youngster in the Bok squad for the three-Test series against France in June. Bosch has been invited to attended the Boks’ training camp in Stellenbosch from 2-4 April.

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