Paarl has transformed into a sea of colour and gees this week, as the town prepares for what many regard as the biggest schools-rugby derby in the world – the annual clash between Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Gymnasium.
If the Springboks versus All Blacks is the greatest rivalry in international rugby, then Paarl Boys’ High versus Paarl Gymnasium holds that honour at school level.
Since Sunday the streets of this historic Cape Winelands town have been ablaze in the maroon and gold of Paarl Gymnasium, the blue and white of Paarl Boys’ High and the blue, white and green of Paarl Girls’ High. A festive atmosphere has descended on Paarl as the community prepares for Saturday’s main event at Faure Street Stadium, where the first XV teams will battle for supremacy in a rivalry stretching back to 1915.
The Interschools tradition represents far more than a rugby match. It’s a celebration of heritage, healthy competition and the proud traditions of two schools that have shaped South African rugby for well over 150 years. Paarl Gymnasium was founded in 1858 and Paarl Boys’ High 10 years later.
In later years the sports forum was expanded to include the girls of Gymnasium and Paarl Boys’ High’s sister school, Paarl Girls’ High School, adding another dimension to this storied rivalry and broadening the sports offering.
A week of tradition
The Interschools programme has evolved into a carefully orchestrated week of schools sporting events. Already from Monday the little ones of the junior schools can be seen in action on the sports fields. The chess, squash and golf teams take one another on, the girls clash on the hockey fields and netball courts and more.
Not to forget Wednesday evening’s Old Boys’ clashes, when old boys’ of all shapes and sizes pulled on their old school jerseys to relive their youth on the rugby field.
Friday morning brings the Big Brags ceremony in each school’s hall, where rugby and hockey players are officially introduced and the first XV teams receive their caps.
Saturday kicks off with the boys u-18A hockey clash, and the programme at Faure Street Stadium includes four major matches: the u-15A, u-16A, second teams (Seccies) and finally, the main first XV encounter.
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Springbok factory
Both Paarl Boys’ and Paarl Gymnasium boast remarkable records in producing Springbok players. Paarl Gymnasium has seen 31 old boys represent South Africa at Test level, including current stars Handré Pollard and Grant Williams, the school’s most recent Springbok being Johan Grobbelaar (capped 2024). Other Rugby World Cup–winning old boys include Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Kobus Wiese, alongside further contributors to the green and gold such as De Wet Barry, Marius Joubert, Pieter and Chris Rossouw, Louis Koen, Balie Swart, Ashley Johnson, Lourens Adriaanse and Louis Schreuder, to name a few.
Paarl Boys’ High has produced 26 Springboks, recent names including current international players Evan Roos, Frans Malherbe, Thomas du Toit, Salmaan Moerat, Cameron Hanekom and Quan Horn. Legendary figures such as Carel du Plessis, known as the Prince of Wings, and former Springbok captain Corné Krige also wore the blue and white.
Between the two schools they have contributed 57 players to the Springbok cause, a testament to the quality of rugby played in Paarl over the decades.
Gymnasium holds the edge
In terms of the head-to-head record, Paarl Gymnasium narrowly leads the series, claiming 51 victories to Boys’ High’s 44, whilst 11 matches have been drawn of which three of these were 0-0.
The rivalry is renowned for its intensity and tight margins, with the average winning margin historically sitting at around five points.
A divided town drawn together
The week divides Paarl into two passionate camps: the Galpille (Gymnasium) and the Bloedworse (Boys’ High), a north versus south divide that sees families, businesses and entire neighbourhoods declare their allegiance through flags, banners and coloured decorations.
This healthy rivalry perfectly showcases what schools sport should be – competitive excellence grounded in mutual respect and shared heritage. As both institutions celebrate their status as some of South Africa’s oldest schools, the Interschools week serves as the perfect platform for sporting rivalry both on and off the field.
For one week each year, Paarl becomes the centre of South African schools rugby, with thousands of supporters expected to make the pilgrimage to Faure Street Stadium on Saturday to witness history in the making once again.
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