It’s every rugby-playing schoolboy’s dream to one day represent his country, and Mr Price SPORT Hero in Training Thabo Mabuza will get the opportunity to do just that after being selected for the South African Schools team to take part in three internationals in August.
 
The South African Rugby Union recently announced the SA Schools squad of 28, after a set of trial matches at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.

Initially, the squad was selected from a group of 50 players chosen after this year's Under-18 Craven Week in Port Elizabeth.
 
On Friday, the SA Schools team will take on their under-18 counterparts from France, followed by two more fixtures against European opposition: Wales (August 14) and England (August 18).
 
Mabuza, a hard-working loose-forward who hails from Centurion, said he couldn’t wait for the opportunity to run out in SA colours once again.
 
“I am very proud to represent SA. It is a great achievement for me as it’s my second year in a row. It really is such a privilege and an honour.”
 
The Blue Bulls representative said it was the captain of the Super Rugby team, Springbok Pierre Spies, who was his rolemodel.
 
“Pierre Spies inspires me the most because we play similar games. I also chatted to him once and we are not that different, we have similar stories.”
 
Mabuza also highlighted what he felt were his strengths as a player.
 
“I am a good ball carrier and pride myself on defence. I am the captain of my school so I bring leadership to the game as well as pride and passion.”
 
Big things are certainly set to come from this talented youngster, who has already achieved every schoolboy’s dream.