Ethan Adams (born 3 March 2007) is a South African rugby union player who plays as a centre for the United Rugby Championship team the Lions and the South Africa national under-20 rugby union team. Adams was a highly promising schoolboy player while playing for Grey College, with some calling him the best ever schoolboy centre in South Africa.[1]

Ethan Adams
Born (2007-03-03) 3 March 2007 (age 19)
Kareedouw, Eastern Cape
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Weight104 kg (16.4 st; 229 lb)
SchoolGrey College
Rugby union career
Position Centre
Youth career
2024-2025 Cheetahs
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2026- Lions 0 (0)
Correct as of 14 May 2026
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2024-2025 South Africa U18 5 (10)
2026- South Africa U20s 3 (15)
Correct as of 14 May 2026

Early career

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Adams was named the Global School Challenge player of the tournament in 2024, while only 17 years old. [2] His performances for Grey College earned him selection for the SA schools team in 2024 and 2025.[3]

Adams represented the Cheetahs at the 2024 Craven Week competition. In 2025 he was signed by the Lions.[4]

International career

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In 2026 Adams was named in the South Africa U20s team to tour Georgia in 2 friendlies. He would make his debut at inside centre in the 35-0 win over Georgia U20s.[5] In his first game in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship, he would score 2 tries and win man of the match. [6]

References

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  1. Adams, Mariette (2024-04-28). "Is this the best-ever schoolboy centre in South Africa?". The South African. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  2. "Global Schools Challenge 2024 – Player and Team of the Tournament – SchoolBoyRugby Blog". Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  3. "Ethan Adams". ICONX360. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  4. "Lions win the race for South Africa's schoolboy prodigy". www.rugbypass.com. 2025-05-28. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  5. "Junior Boks flawless in World Championship teaser against Georgia". rugby365.com. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  6. "Rugby Championship U20 - Match report South Africa U20 vs Argentina U20, le 27/04/2026". all.rugby. Retrieved 2026-04-28.