The stage is set, the boots are laced, and South Africa’s schoolboy rugby elite are ready to collide. Noord Suid isn’t just another tournament—it’s where reputations are forged, upsets become legend, and the next generation of Springboks announce themselves to the rugby world.
The Rugby Factory dove deep into this week’s Noord Suid landscape, dissecting every angle with the coaches who’ll send their warriors into battle. From traditional powerhouses defending their honour to hungry newcomers hunting scalps, this tournament promises to deliver the drama that makes schoolboy rugby a religion in South Africa.
The great leveller
Grey College’s 1st XV coach Jannie Geldenhuys knows better than most how these tournaments have transformed the schoolboy landscape. His Bloem outfit face Stellenberg—the side that recently scalped Paarl Gim and sent shockwaves through schoolboy rugby.
“Definitely if you go two years back, our game against Jeppe at Noord Suid it is proof of that,” Geldenhuys reflected when asked if schools are getting more competitive. “So tournaments give these up and coming schools, schools who make an effort with their programmes and develop kids, a platform to show what they are able to do.”
That Jeppe upset remains one of the most seismic shocks in schoolboy rugby history, proving that on neutral ground, form books become meaningless.
Geldenhuys tipped his hat to Stellenberg mentor Divan Batt, whose programme has clearly hit another gear. “We’re looking forward to the challenge of Stellenberg, Divan Batt and his team have been doing amazing things at the school. The team of 2026 is proof of all the hard work that has been put into that programme.”
But beyond the results and rankings, Geldenhuys emphasised rugby’s true value in the educational space. “Rugby is such an awesome tool, in education, our primary role is to educate young men and if you can do it through rugby, it is actually a huge privilege. I think schools have started to realize it, the type of programmes that have been running in South Africa whether top 4 or top 30 it doesn’t matter, everybody is pouring into the idea of education, a holistic approach, that does make the gap smaller.”
Varsity opportunities forged at festivals
For André Tredoux, Shimlas head coach, Noord Suid is prime hunting ground. The varsity cup mentor knows these tournaments can change lives, not just results.
“Looking forward to a great tournament, to see if the boys can perform under pressure,” Tredoux said. “There are schools that have put in hard work into their rugby programmes especially Montana, we had a player, Jooste Nel, who is now with the Cheetahs who came out of Montana. So, it is also the exposure for individual players, who won’t get seen, because scouts tend to go to the bigger schools. It is a great opportunity for those schools.”
In the era of Rassie and Siya, rugby has transcended sport in South Africa. Tredoux understands the magnitude of what’s at stake for these teenagers.
“It is a big platform, but it is also giving big opportunities. The universities will be out, the unions will be there, it can change a player’s life, getting a bursary to study. It can be an opportunity to get out of situations, that might have held them back. Not only a career in rugby but a chance to complete studies and go on to something else.”
Fixtures that will define seasons
Paul Roos vs Monnas: Battle of the Fly Halves
Tredoux identified Monument’s remarkable improvement as a key storyline. “They were very competitive against Grey College. I think it is the battle of the fly halves in that game. They both have stellar flyhalves which will make for great watching. Genis the winger for Monnas scored a brace against Grey, almost scored a hat trick.”
But Paul Roos pack their own punch up front. “Paul Roos’ forwards were excellent against Affies, and they will need to be good again, because Monnas isn’t a small pack of forwards.”
Affies vs Oakdale: Reigniting the Fire
Both sides arrive with question marks after inconsistent starts. Host Andy Daniel noted that Oakdale have underperformed whilst Affies lick their wounds from a Paul Roos defeat.
“This is going to be a game to ignite one of their seasons, I think,” Daniel predicted.
Tredoux expects a forward slugfest. “Obviously Oakdale have got big forwards, and they will want to get those forwards going. I think Affies changed their game plan well against Paul Roos. Oakdale will definitely have to have their defence sorted out on the wider channels. Oakdale usually take a few weeks to get going, I’m looking forward to the scrum play.”
Jeppe vs Paarl Boys High: Giant-Killers Back for More
Boishaai nearly stumbled at home against Outeniqua, whilst Jeppe announced their credentials by thumping Garsfontein—a side that demolished Noordheuwel by 40 points.
“You have to give props to Outeniqua, Boishaai did have about three opportunities early on to go 19-0 up, but they didn’t convert them,” Tredoux said. “Obviously Jeppe beat Garsfontein who turned over Noordheuwel by 40 points. That shows you can’t go into Jeppe lightly.”
Tredoux referenced that infamous Grey upset: “Two years ago I was at the game where Jeppe turned over Grey at Noord Suid, that must be one of the biggest upsets in schoolboy rugby history. You must give credit to Carl Spilhaus, director of rugby at Jeppe and the coaches, to have turned over Garsfontein, shows that there is something in the Jeppe team. Boishaai will need to know what they’re doing. Sean Erasmus is a top schoolboy technician and they will only get better as the season goes.”
Grey College vs Stellenberg: Tradition vs Revolution
The Paarl Gim killers arrive at Noord Suid with momentum and belief. Stellenberg have already proven they can topple giants.
“This could be a real cracker, Grey College a traditional powerhouse, they have scrappers this year. Contrasting styles, definitely one to look forward to. Stellenberg will kick high and live off the scraps, but they have also got good attack. I think the Bloem boys should prevail there,” Tredoux analysed.
Fresh Blood: Wesvalia’s Noord Suid debut
Willem van der Sandt, Director of Rugby at Wesvalia, is buzzing about his side’s inaugural Noord Suid campaign, even if the fixtures have thrown up some complications.
“We are very excited, originally it was supposed to be Windhoek Gymnasium, for our first fixture, that was exciting, almost a bit of international flavour for the boys. So that was exciting then on short notice they brought in Montana. It’s not ideal for us, because they are in two of our local competitions, NWU prestige and the also the Noordvaal, so if both our teams do well. We can play them at Noord Suid, then on 18 April and the again the 25th of April, but we are happy to be invited to the Noord Suid.”
Wesvalia also face Middelburg, recently promoted to their local competition’s top division, a perfect barometer for their own ambitions.
“We need to get out and play the bigger schools, it sounds strange, but it’s almost better to lose to one of the big boys and learn something from the game than to go play a smaller school and it’s a big win for you. We are on a mission to play the bigger schools, so Middelburg will be a nice test for us,” Van der Sandt explained.
As Noord Suid kicks off, one thing is certain, no lead is safe, no reputation protected, and no upset impossible. This is where legends are born and powerhouses humbled.
