Pretoria Boys’ 125th anniversary headlines a rugby extravaganza as international heavyweights descend on South African shores for the ultimate schoolboy showcase
The Easter long weekend is about to deliver a feast of schoolboy rugby that will have die-hard supporters spoilt for choice, as five major festivals simultaneously ignite pitches across the country in what promises to be one of the most action-packed weekends on the schools calendar.
Leading the charge is Pretoria Boys High, which marks a milestone 125 years of rugby excellence by hosting a two-day festival that reads like a who’s who of South African schoolboy rugby.
But Pretoria boys aren’t alone in rolling out the red carpet. The Easter weekend has become a traditional battleground, with perennial festival hosts St Stithians, St John’s, KES and Kearsney also throwing open their gates for their annual tournaments.
What sets this year’s Easter bonanza apart is the truly international flavour on offer. Teams from New Zealand, Australia and England will lock horns with South Africa’s finest, while representatives from Zimbabwe and Namibia add further continental spice to proceedings.
Pretoria Boys Festival: A clash of titans
The Pretoria Boys festival boasts a fixture list that will have selectors’ pens hovering over their notepads. Saturday’s (4 April) opening salvos include a mouthwatering clash between Grey High and Parktown, while traditional powerhouses Affies take on Michaelhouse in what promises to be a bruising forward battle.
The hosts themselves face a stern test against SACS on Saturday before backing up against Rondebosch on Monday – a double header that will test the depth of their squad.
Monday’s (6 April) fixtures deliver the heavyweight showdown many have been waiting for: Affies versus Grey High. That encounter alone could determine bragging rights heading into the second term.
KES Festival: Southern hemisphere meets the North
KES have secured a real coup by luring Australian outfit Cranbrook to Johannesburg, with the Sydney school set to test themselves against Dale and Pearson over the weekend. Meanwhile, Marlow will provide a fascinating contrast in playing styles when they face Northwood and Noordheuwel.
The hosts open their campaign against St Andrew’s on Saturday before taking on Queens on Monday, with KES expected to field strong XVs as they look to impress on home soil.
St John’s Festival: u.18 Test match looms
Thursday’s opening fixtures at St John’s deliver an absolute blockbuster: Australian giants Nudgee College square off against Grey College in what could legitimately be billed as an under-18 international. Both schools boast proud rugby traditions and have produced Wallabies and Springboks respectively, making this a clash that transcends mere schoolboy rugby.
New Zealand representatives Westlake will test themselves against Monument and Welkom Gim, while the hosts face Bishops in what shapes as a crucial encounter for both schools’ seasons.
Kearsney Festival: KZN’s Finest on Show
The Kearsney Easter Festival has long been a staple of the KwaZulu-Natal rugby calendar, and this year’s edition doesn’t disappoint. The three-day extravaganza kicks off Thursday with local derbies that will set pulses racing , none more so than Glenwood versus Helpmekaar and the hosts’ clash with Rustenburg.
Zimbabwean representatives Peterhouse face a baptism of fire against Framesby on Thursday before backing up against Milnerton and Rustenburg, providing a genuine test of their squad depth.
DHS, one of the province’s most consistent performers, face a challenging schedule that includes fixtures against Zwartkop, Rustenburg and Transvalia.
St Stithians Festival: International invasion
The Saints have pulled out all the stops by securing English powerhouse Hartpury College, who will relish the opportunity to test themselves against Middelburg and a Garsfontein Invitational XV. These fixtures will provide fascinating insights into how the northern hemisphere approach stacks up against South African physicality.
Namibian visitors Windhoek and Zimbabwean outfit St John’s add further diversity to what is already a cosmopolitan gathering, while the hosts themselves face Wynberg in what should be a cracker on Saturday.
For rugby enthusiasts, the Easter weekend represents an embarrassment of riches. Selectors will be watching closely as provincial and national squads begin to take shape, while scouts from tertiary institutions will be scouring the matches for future talent.
For a full schedule of matche go to KickOff.com
