Sharks prop Thomas du Toit will be released to the SA U20 squad after Saturday's match against the Vodacom Bulls.

The Junior Boks are in Stellenbosch to prepare for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy in June. Italy previously hosted the tournament in 2011.

With first-choice props Jannie du Plessis and Beast Mtawarira back in the Sharks team having been rested last weekend as per Saru's request, Du Toit is on the bench along with Lourens Adriaanse. Dale Chadwick has fallen out the match 23 in order for Du Toit to get some game time before joining the Junior Boks.

'Dale will be coming on tour with us and will get his opportunity again,' said Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold. 'If we make the play-offs, Thomas will have the opportunity to play another Super Rugby game.'

This will be Du Toit’s second U20 Championship after being a member of the last year's Junior Boks team that lost 21-20 to England in the final.

The Junior Boks will play against a Varsity Cup Dream Team at the Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images