The schoolboy rugby landscape for 2027 is taking shape following the recent U16 and U17 EPD camp invites, and it’s Paul Roos Gimnasium casting the longest shadow.
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With a staggering 11 players selected across both the U16 and U17 Elite Player Development camps.
The Roos stampede begins
The numbers don’t lie. Paul Roos boasts five selections in the U16 EPD camp and six in the U17 group, a depth of talent that suggests they’re not just building a team, they’re assembling a dynasty.
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With players like Albert Nel, Cayden Samuels,Tristan Armitage and Werner de Bruin returning the Maroon tide look difficult to beat. Geshem Pietersen and JP Immelman are the youngsters to watch in 2027.
Can Paarl Gim defend their crown?
Paarl Gimnasium, the current kings of South African school rugby, will defend their number one spot with typical grit. While their five EPD selections (three U16, two U17) might seem modest compared to their Stellenbosch neighbours, write off Pieter Roussouw’s charges at your peril. The veteran coach has built a career on extracting magic from his squads, transforming raw talent into cohesive units that punch well above their weight. The Gimmies production line rarely stutters, and 2027 should be no exception. Corne Ferreira and De Waal Viviers did a job for Gim in 2026 and whill continue to do so next season.
Grey College’s six selections, evenly split with three in each age group, signal that the Bloemfontein giants are loading their cannons for a serious assault on the top rankings. Consistency across both age groups suggests a well-balanced squad in the making, and Grey College teams don’t do mediocrity. Expect them to challenge hard for top-five honours, if not higher. Neil du Randt leads the charge of returning players while youngster Tatum Kers is one to watch for the Bloem outfit.
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With seven players called up, including a formidable five in the U17 camp, DHS is quietly assembling a squad that could gatecrash the traditional top 10.
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The Durban outfit has been building momentum, and this level of EPD representation suggests they’re ready to convert promise into performance. A top-10 finish looks well within their grasp, with the potential to cause major upsets along the way. Bulelani Cebani, Iglesias Bruiners and Tanwill Onkers will be central to DHS’s success next year. Warona Modise is a promising youngster.
The dark horses emerge
Monument’s four U17 selections (from five total) hint at a side that will peak perfectly for their crucial matches. Monnas’ U16 team won the Virseker Noordvaal Cup this year, but mixing age groups cause a break in continuity. With players like Blessing Manoreng and Hanco van Geelen, Monument will be difficult to stop if they can gel the two age groups quickly. Affies and Garsfontein, both with five players apiece, will battle for top-10 spots. These schools don’t rebuild; they reload. For Affies Caleb Pretorius, Dandre Brinkand youngster Dylan-Bardenhorst Schnetler will be vital for the Pretoria outfit.
The other Pretoria giant, Garsfontein have some fine palyers returning. Ruan Fluks who announced himself this year at the Noord-Suid tournament will indispensable at 10 for the Bere. Ruben Lombard will provide the grunt up front. Kean Meyer coming in as a youngster will help their cause.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline belongs to Outeniqua. Five EPD selections from the George school might not turn heads among the traditional elite, but discounting them would be foolish. Darnell Delport and Rufagon Hendricks are both exceptional player capables of turning the tide of a match. Don’t be surprised if Outeniqua ambush a few heavyweight names in 2027.
More than just numbers
Of course, EPD selections aren’t the be-all and end-all. Team chemistry, coaching acumen, injury luck, and the intangible fighting spirit all play crucial roles when the whistle blows. But these camps serve as rugby’s most reliable crystal ball, identifying the players who’ve caught national selectors’ eyes.
As we count down to 2027, one thing is certain: Paul Roos enters the season as favourites, armed with a talent stockpile that make other programmes envious. Whether they can convert potential into silverware remains to be seen, but the building blocks are unmistakably in place.
