The Sharks and Western Province have emphatically stamped their authority on South African schoolboy rugby, dominating the SA Schools and SA Schools A selections announced following Saturday’s conclusion of the FNB Craven Week. Of the 52 players chosen across both squads, a staggering 15 hail from the Sharks whilst 13 represent Western Province, a clear statement about the quality being produced in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
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The selections vindicate the performances delivered throughout the week in Gqeberha, with both unions showcasing depth, skill and physicality that set them apart from the competition. The Bulls claimed third place in the representation stakes with six players earning selection.
Sharks quality shines despite narrow defeat
The Sharks’ remarkable haul of 15 players proves particularly impressive given their narrow defeat to Western Province during the tournament. That loss could easily have derailed confidence or raised questions about their quality, but the selectors clearly recognised the exceptional standard of rugby produced by the KwaZulu-Natal outfit throughout the week.
Experience proves invaluable
Three players have earned the ultimate validation, back-to-back selection in the SA Schools squad. Lock Lwandile Mlaba, loose forward Jacobus de Villiers and fullback Lamla Mgedezi all featured in the 2025 SA Schools team and have retained their places in 2026, providing invaluable experience and leadership to what remains a young squad.
Their presence offers continuity that cannot be taught in training sessions. Having navigated the pressures and expectations of SA Schools rugby previously, this trio will serve as vital anchors when the squad gathers in Gqeberha ahead of Thursday’s exhibition match.
Promotions reward stellar performances
Perhaps the most encouraging storyline emerging from the selections involves the six players promoted from the 2025 SA Schools A team to the full SA Schools squad in 2026. Lock Juvan Burden, loose forward Nhlahla Ndlovu, scrumhalf Mickyle Booise, centre Erin Nelson, and outside backs Ncuthu Kepe and Ethan van Biljon have all earned their promotions through outstanding performances.
Their elevation demonstrates both individual improvement and the effectiveness of the pathway system. These are players who tasted representative rugby in 2025, used that experience to develop their games, and returned twelve months later as superior athletes ready to compete at the highest schoolboy level.
Centre Nathan Aneke remains in the SA Schools A team for a second consecutive year, providing valuable experience to that squad whilst continuing his own development journey.
Western Province depth on display
Western Province’s 13 selections include an interesting subplot involving Travis Pheiffer, who ran out for Western Province XV during Craven Week but has now been called into the national setup. He joins Achmat Behardien as specialist pivots in the squads, demonstrating the selectors’ desire for playmaking options and tactical flexibility.
Ethan van Biljon’s selection as an outside/utility back highlights another selection trend, versatility. In modern rugby, players capable of covering multiple positions offer coaches tactical flexibility that can prove decisive in tight matches. Van Biljon can cover at 10, 15, and has had a run at 13 as well.
Thursday’s exhibition awaits
The two squads will face each other on Thursday in Gqeberha in what promises to be a fascinating exhibition match. With both teams remaining in the Eastern Cape to prepare, the coaching staffs have limited time to implement structures and build combinations, but the quality of personnel selected suggests the rugby should be outstanding regardless.
For the 52 players involved, Thursday represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and relentless pursuit of excellence. To pull on an SA Schools or SA Schools A jersey, even in an exhibition format, marks them as among the finest schoolboy rugby players in the country.
The selectors have done their work. The Sharks and Western Province have provided the bulk of the talent. Now the players must deliver performances worthy of the green blazers they’ll wear with such pride.
