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It may still be early in the season, but two of South Africa’s top school teams will already square off this Saturday.

The Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool will travel to Stellenbosch for the first time since 2015 to face Paul Roos Gimnasium in a King Price Derby Series clash.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) as well as on DStv Channel 216.

In 2015, the main match of Paul Roos’s rugby day, celebrating its 150th anniversary, was this very fixture.

“It is a major occasion when two schools with such rich histories and so many boys come up against each other. This interschools just make sense. The whole event is something special,” said Corné Uys, head coach of Paul Roos.

The first teams have, however, met every year since 2022 at the Noord/Suid or Wildeklawer tournaments. This year, 31 rugby matches and 17 hockey matches will take place during the interschools event.

Both schools’ first teams are regarded by experts as among the favourites to finish at least in the top three school teams in the country this year.

The team from the Eikestad had three players last year – Lehan Barnard (hooker), Travis Pheiffer (flyhalf), and Tiaan Basson (centre), who were included in SA Rugby’s u17 High Performance group.

Affies’ captain and lock, Martin van Niekerk, as well as the lively hooker, Carl Els, were also part of the national group. The duel at hooker between Els and Barnard should therefore be one of the highlights.

The home side’s captain, Basson, will have to be contained at inside centre by Affies. Last year, he represented the Western Province XV at Craven Week and also made a name for himself as an exchange student at Cheltenham College in England.

Affies’ Wit Bulle beat Waterkloof 34–20 last week in their first outing of the season. Paul Roos kicked off their season with a 24–7 victory over HTS Drostdy and also beat Wynberg Boys’ High 15–5 earlier this week during the WP Rugby Day.

The latter match was only 20 minutes per half, and no place-kicking was allowed.

In 2015, Paul Roos won 29–12 with Damian Willemse at flyhalf, while Ruan de Swardt was his direct opponent. Willemse has since helped the Springboks win two World Cups, while De Swardt has represented the Proteas on the cricket field.

“Home-ground advantage will definitely play a role. The team that controls the set pieces and dominates at the breakdowns on the day will walk off as victors,” said Ruan Jacobs, head coach of Affies.

The teams:

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Kyle Snyers, 14 Jean Hamman, 13 Tiaan Basson (captain), 12 Albert Nel, 11 Cadynn Samuels, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Tristan Armitage, 8 Werner de Bruin, 7 Gerard Bekker, 6 Christian le Roux, 5 Sebastian Cilliers, 4 Stef de Villiers, 3 Zak Steyn, 2 Lehan Barnard, 1 Thomas Meyer.

Affies: 15 Kyle van Staden, 14 Dandré Brink, 13 Estian Marx, 12 Juan Ferreira, 11 Joshua Gouws, 10 Reuben Smith, 9 Fourie Roberts, 8 Janno Geyser, 7 Caleb Pretorius, 6 Lohan Bitzer, 5 Reubenne Vlok, 4 Martin van Niekerk (captain), 3 Hannes Nagel, 2 Carl Els, 1 Francois de Beer.

Referee: Wickus Nell.
Kick-Off: 12:30

A new chapter in South African coaching innovation has been written when Outfox Technology by Rassie Erasmus was officially launched at Hoërskool Stellenberg to an invited group of more than 60 of the top school rugby coaches from the Western Cape.

SANZAAR’s Rugby Championship U20 competition returns to the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, when the best junior talent from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina converges on Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at the end of April.

The southern hemisphere’s next generation of stars descend on the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole for the second successive year, with the action kicking off on Freedom Day, 27 April, followed by match days on 3 and 9 May as the teams step up their preparations for the Junior World Championship in Georgia in June and July.

Following last year’s tournament, the Junior Boks and New Zealand Under-20s went on to contest the final for the world crown with captain Riley Norton’s team going on to take gold for South Africa.

Tickets for the U20 Rugby Championship will be priced from only R35 per person per day for two matches, and will be sold exclusively by Ticketmaster – CLICK HERE.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said it was a feather in the cap of SA Rugby and the Eastern Cape to host the third instalment of this tournament for a second time.

“Last year’s event was a massive success, and we are thrilled that this tournament will be returning to Gqeberha,” said Oberholzer.

“The Eastern Cape has a rich rugby culture and a passionate fan base, and like last year we expect good crowds to come to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to see the four teams in action across three double-header match days.

“The combination of top-notch facilities at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and superb accommodation and training options, coupled with the enthusiastic support of the people of the Eastern Cape will make this another memorable experience for everyone involved.”

SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris said: “Following the success of the tournament in Gqeberha last year, SANZAAR is pleased to announce that the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship will again head to South Africa this year.

“Last year New Zealand retained the title with an exhilarating 48-45 win over the hosts South Africa.

“The third edition of this important Championship will again be played at the wonderful Nelson Mandela May Stadium in Gqeberha as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa go head-to-head over three rounds.

“As in previous years the tournament will provide a vital pathway for up-and-coming rugby talent through exposure to essential international competition and provide development opportunities for the next generation of coaches, team management and match officials. SANZAAR sincerely thanks SA Rugby for its support of the Championship.”

It’s the second international rugby event headed to Gqeberha in the coming months after it was announced recently that the Springboks will kick off their 2026 season against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 20 June.

Fixtures:

Monday, 27 April

14h00: New Zealand v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina

Sunday, 3 May

14h00: New Zealand v Argentina

16h10: Junior Boks v Australia

Saturday, 9 May

14h00: Argentina v Australia

16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Outeniqua continued their impressive start to the 2026 season with a commanding 45–0 victory over Nico Malan of Humansdorp in their King Price Derby Series clash in George on Saturday.

The Kwaggas entered the fixture on the back of a massive 99–0 win over Worcester Gimnasium the previous week. Coaches Henry Grimes and Jandré Blom were wary of complacency after such a runaway result, but their side delivered another disciplined and emphatic performance.

Outeniqua led 19–0 at halftime, with left wing Heiliano Beukes striking first in the 17th minute. His pacey finish also earned him the Suzuki Game Changing Moment award.

Scrumhalf Fagon Hendriks added a brace, including a spectacular second try from a 50‑metre snipe off a scrum. Hendriks kept the visitors’ defence guessing throughout the match and was one of the standout performers on the day.

“We made a lot of errors, but it would be greedy to be unhappy with a 45–0 scoreline. We have a young side — 11 of our players are still in Grade 11. We also made more than 100 tackles at a 96% completion rate, so I’m happy with the performance,” said Grimes afterwards.

Outeniqua’s backline proved decisive. Fullback Darnell Delport, inside centre Jade Lothering, Beukes, and Hendriks all produced influential displays. Lothering was particularly effective, consistently carrying over the gain line to keep the Kwaggas on the front foot. Delport’s all‑round contribution earned him the King of the Match accolade.

For Nico Malan, early defensive resilience faded as mistakes crept in, preventing them from stringing phases together or applying sustained pressure. Flanker Ruben van Dijk and tighthead prop Drikus Kruger were among the few bright spots for the visitors.

This same group from Humansdorp defeated Outeniqua 22–5 in 2024 when the teams met as u16s at the Jean de Villiers Festival hosted by Paarl Gimnasium — a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift.

Scorers:

Outeniqua 45 (19) – Tries: Fagon Hendriks (2), Heiliano Beukes, Darnell Delport, Matthew Prins, Aldo Gouws. Conversions: Tyler Marais (5). Nico Malan 0.

Other Results: 

u16A: Outeniqua 71, Nico Malan 24.
u15A: Outeniqua 49, Nico Malan 12.
u14A: Outeniqua 38, Nico Malan 5.

The King Price Derby Series is set to elevate the passion, tradition, and rivalry of schoolboy rugby in 2026, delivering one of the most extensive and anticipated seasons yet.

This year’s King Price Derby Series will consist of 45 matches, which includes the biggest school rugby derby in the world between Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Gimnasium.

The King Price Derby Series will see no less than 47 of South Africa’s top rugby schools in action, with the top talent taking their first steps towards higher honours.

Nothing divides and unites a community quite like interschool clashes, including famous traditional rivalries between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High, HTS Middelburg and Hoërskool Middelburg, Duineveld and Hoërskool Upington, King Edward VII and Jeppe, and Voortrekker vs Witteberg, among many other noteworthy games.

The list of prominent schools participating in the King Price Schools Derby Series also includes Grey College, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria, Outeniqua, SACS, Rondebosch Boys’ High, Boland Landbou, Maritzburg College, Queen’s College, Oakdale Landbou, Durban High School, Selborne College, Waterkloof, and Garsfontein.

All 45 derbies will be broadcast on the SuperSport Schools’ linear channel 216 on DStv, and via the SuperSport Schools App, ensuring nationwide access to every big moment.

“The King Price Derby Series gives talented young players a national stage, whether they come from a powerhouse or smaller community school, and that matters to us. It is more than a sponsorship. It is a statement about belief, opportunity, and building the next generation of South African rugby,” says De Wet van Deventer, Chief Marketing Officer at King Price.

Dedicated rugby fans will be able to tune in every Saturday, with live broadcasts starting at 14:00, second‑round matches at 15:30, and delayed broadcasts at 18:00 and 19:30, ensuring a full day of school rugby action across 16 Saturdays.

“Schools rugby has shaped the Springboks for generations, earning passionate support from fans and drawing audiences that outshine many provincial matches. The King Price Schools Rugby Derby Series celebrates this heritage and looks to grow it even more,” says JD Henderson, Managing Director of Provantage Sports.

Provantage’s successful delivery of the inaugural Derby Series demonstrated their ability to highlight school rugby communities, create meaningful commercial value for participating schools, and open new opportunities for stakeholders across the ecosystem.

The Fixtures:

14 March 2026

Outeniqua vs Nico Malan
Northwood vs Glenwood

21 March 2026

Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Affies
Grey College vs Monument
Westville Boys’ High vs Maritzburg College

11 April 2026

Affies vs Paarl Gimnasium
Paarl Boys’ High vs Oakdale Landbou
Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII

18 April 2026

Noordheuwel vs King Edward VII
Paarl Gimnasium vs Grey College
Garsfontein vs Affies
Grey High School vs Paul Roos Gimnasium

30 April 2026

Kingswood College vs Pretoria Boys High

9 May 2026

Grey College vs Paarl Boys’ High
Hoërskool Middelburg vs HTS Middelburg
Nico Malan vs Pearson

16 May 2026

Affies vs Grey College
Monument vs Jeppe High School for Boys
Oakdale Landbou vs Outeniqua
St Charles College vs Glenwood

23 May 2026

Hoërskool Durbanville vs Diocesan College
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys’ High
Voortrekker vs Witteberg
St Stithians College vs Parktown Boys’ High

30 May 2026

Durban High School vs Westville Boys’ High
Queen’s College vs St Andrew’s College

6 June 2026

Paarl Gimnasium vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
Kearsney College vs Maritzburg College
Selborne College vs St Andrew’s College

13 June 2026

St Andrew’s College vs Kingswood College

20 June 2026

St John’s College vs St Stithians College

25 July 2026

Wynberg Boys’ High vs Boland Landbou
Framesby vs Grey High School
Maritzburg College vs Affies

1 August 2026

King Edward VII vs Jeppe High School for Boys
Paarl Boys’ High vs Paarl Gimnasium
Stellenberg vs Hoërskool Durbanville

8 August 2026

Boland Landbou vs Oakdale Landbou
Pretoria Boys’ High vs Affies
Duineveld vs Hoërskool Upington

15 August 2026

Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Grey College
Dale College vs Queen’s College

25 August 2026

SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Diocesan College
Robertson vs Charlie Hofmeyr

With the knockout Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) Top 8 competition done and dusted a week earlier, the GWDL league season kicked off on Sunday.

Mamelodi Sundowns, despite a stiff challenge from the South African Football Association (SAFA) Academy, won the u17 division in 2025, and they showed that they remain the team to beat with a winning start to their campaign.

While Banyana Ba Style cruised to three points with a comfortable 3-0 win over Kenneth FC, their counterparts from Pretoria, the University of Pretoria (Tuks) and Refilwe, also secured all three points in their respective matches.

Tuks faced the newcomers, Black Diamond Sports (BDS), and matched Sundowns with a 3-0 win. Daniella Human initiated the scoring, then netted her second goal with an assist from Landela Gogontle. Zanokuhle Nkosi completed the scoring with a stunning free kick.

Refilwe surged to a big 6-1 victory over Hellenic Falcons, with Thando Mndaweni striking twice and Dineo Kgomosotho, Titelo Modika, Linamandla Bahlehle, and Mbali Madondo also getting their names on the score sheet.

In other matches, Panorama claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over JVW, while TS Galaxy and Chadi Puse Ladies, both newcomers to the league, shared the points after concluding their match in a 1-1 stalemate.

In the u15 division, Tuks continued their u17 counterparts’ winning momentum with a 7-0 victory over BDS. Human, who netted twice for the u17 team, ran wild for the u15 side. She put Tuks ahead with an assist from Buhlebendalo Mahlalela, but that was merely the first of five goals.

Her second was a lone effort, while Vuxongi Makumbia set Human up for her third. Then, Nthabiseng Mahlangu laid on another opportunity, which Human converted to make it 4-0.

Mahlalela, who had assisted on the opening goal for Tuks, also found the net herself, with help from Sinokubonga Sibanyoni.

The Pretoria side’s sixth involved Human, this time as a provider, while Mahlalela provided the finish to bag her brace.

Fittingly, the seventh and last goal of the match was netted by Human, who slotted after being set up by Kamogelo Tlhako.

Refilwe also put on an exceptional performance in the u15 division, outplaying Hellenic Falcons 4-0.

Kgothatso Babedi spearheaded their effort with two goals, while Ziyanda Khalipha and Mbali Madondo each contributed one. Just like Human of Tuks, Madondo also played in the u17 match and scored a goal.

Panorama continued their winning streak by defeating JVW 3-0, while Sundowns clawed their way to a close 2-1 victory despite a strong challenge from Kenneth FC. TS Galaxy was a 2-0 winner over Chadi Puse Ladies.

In the u13 division, JVW began their title defence with a 3-0 victory against Panorama, which made them the only team to beat Panorama on the day.

Mamelodi Sundowns grabbed the spotlight, though, with a one-sided 14-0 victory over Kenneth. Chadi Puse Ladies also picked up an easy three points, but theirs came by way of a walkover victory over TS Galaxy.

Refilwe ran out 5-1 winners over Hellenic, with Owam Zihlangu and Lesedi Masilela netting two goals each, while Tekana Kekana contributed the fifth.

Tuks, whose teams maintained a flawless winning record similar to that of Sundowns, won 4-0 against BDS.

u17 RESULTS

Tuks 3-0 BDS
Chadi Puse Ladies 1-1 TS Galaxy
JVW 2-1 Panorama
Refilwe 6-1 Hellenic
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 Kenneth

u15 RESULTS

TS Galaxy 2-0 Chadi Puse Ladies
Tuks 7-0 BDS
Panorama 3-0 JVW
Refilwe 4-0 Hellenic
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 Kenneth

u13 RESULTS

Chadi Puse Ladies vs TS Galaxy (Walkover win for BDS)
Tuks 4-0 BDS
JVW 3-0 Panorama
Refilwe 5-1 Hellenic
Mamelodi Sundowns 14-0 Kenneth

Standing two metres tall and weighing 106 kilograms, Stellenberg High’s Juvan Burden is a standout player who catches the eye, both because of his size and skill.

In 2025, the lock was selected for the SA Schools A and SA u18 A squads, along with his schoolmate Ethan van Biljon.

Burden’s agent and Stellenberg’s 1st XI cricket coach Michael Thomas recalled his first sighting of the young forward: “I first saw Juvan as a 15-year-old boy,” he said. “My first impression was that his physicality was amazing, but also his defensive game was brilliant.

“Juvan is a physical lock that dominates, especially with his defensive capabilities. He has the ability to stop momentum with his hard-hitting tackles.”

“He’s also crucial at the set-pieces. He brings a lot to the lineouts with his steals, and he adds extra power in the scrums.

“Juvan has added an offload to his game that puts his fellow teammates into space. I think that was a great work-on. That’s improved a lot,” Thomas noted.

Burden shared his rugby origins with SuperSport Schools Plus: “My earliest memories of rugby come from growing up in a family that truly loves the sport. Hearing their stories inspired me from a young age.

“My dad bought me my first rugby ball when I was a youngster, and that’s when I really started falling in love with the game. I spent hours playing and practicing, where I began dreaming about one day playing for the Springboks.

“Seeing the passion in my family, and experiencing the dominance and physicality in the game, is what truly ignited my love for rugby.”

Ever since then, the Jade Brigade forward has continued to evolve as a player: “My game is always developing, but I feel the aspect that needs the most work is my decision-making under pressure.

“Rugby is a fast and physical game, where making the right decisions quickly can make a big difference in the outcome of a play.

“Sometimes there are moments where a better pass or tactical choice could create more opportunities for the team. I want to continue improving this by studying the game more, learning from my coaches, and gaining more match experience so I can make quicker and smarter decisions on the field,” Burden explained.

Thomas also remarked on Burden’s influence on his teammates and on the school at large: “Juvan is a quiet guy who leads by example and does his talking on the field. He is a hero at Stellenberg, and the juniors look up to him.”

Casting an eye towards the future, Burden shared some of his ambitions: “My goal for the next five years is to proceed with my studies (BCom). I would also like to continue developing as a rugby player and to reach a higher level of competition.

“Ultimately, I would like to represent the SA u20 side, and then play in the URC.

“On a personal level, I want to keep growing as a person by staying disciplined, working hard in my studies, and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“Rugby has taught me important values, like teamwork, respect, and perseverance. I want to carry those values with me as I continue to build my future both on and off the field.”

With a diligent mindset and a strong physical presence, Juvan Burden will be one of the leaders of the challenge laid down by any teams he represents in 2026.

Following the finals of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Top 8 competition last weekend, the GDL’s league season kicked off over the weekend, with an abundance of goals raining down across all divisions.

In the u19 division, the defending champion, Mamelodi Sundowns, who ended Highlands Park’s two-year reign in 2025, made a strong statement of intent with a dominating performance against Rockefvs.

Coach Kristopher Bergman‘s charges powered their way to a 5-0 victory, demonstrating a strong desire and championship mindset in the early going, which was rewarded when Liano Snyders found the back of the net within the first 10 minutes, assisted by Thando Singo.

On his way to a hat-trick, Tebogo Moreri slotted his opener in the 23rd minute, courtesy of an assist from Sivuziwe Lonzi. Seven minutes later, Moreri made it a brace, again benefitting from a connection and assist from Lonzi.

Shortly before half-time, Sundowns put the game to bed. Kgaogelo Monanyane scored their fourth before Moreri completed his hat-trick in the 43rd minute of the match.

The Brazilians were unable to add to their tally in the second half, but they had convincingly gotten their title defence off to a winning start and bagged all three points on offer.

Kathorus Hyper Academy was one of the entertaining teams in the GDL in 2025, particularly in the second half of the season, where their victories included a win over Sundowns. On Saturday, Kathorus also made a tick in the win column, defeating the Africa School of Excellence, formerly known as the Transnet School of Excellence, which is now under the new ownership of Chipcor Developers, in a high-scoring thriller.

In a challenging match for both teams, Kathorus outlasted School of Excellence 4-3. Gift Muyambo scored the East Rand club’s first goal of their 2026 campaign, assisted by Lefa Radikgomo. Sizwe Sidu then made it 2-0 with help from Ayanda Moilwa.

Esethu Witvoet successfully converted a penalty to score a third for Kathorus, and Sidu laid on an assist for Kgothatso Lenkwe to net the winners’ fourth.

Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), beaten in the final of the GDL Top 8 by Kaizer Chiefs last weekend, took on Panorama and battled their way to a hard-fought 3-2 win.

It was 1-1 at halftime, with Bandile Sithole scoring for RESA, assisted by Brian Molefe. After an hour, Nceba Jozela netted the Vereeniging club’s second goal, with Molefe again providing the assist. He, then, made it a hat-trick of assists, setting up Sithole for his brace in the 72nd minute.

Siwelele (formerly SuperSport United) secured a 2-0 victory over EzeNkosi, Jomo Cosmos. The Prestige Football Development Academy, which was promoted from the Gauteng Development Promotional League, lost 1-2 to Randburg AFC.

Joburg City earned three points with a 3-1 win over the University of Pretoria (Tuks), and Wits Junior hurt the runners-up of the 2025 GDL season, Highlands Park, with a 1-0 victory.

The clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Seven’s Academy was called off due to waterlogged fields at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena.

RESULTS 

Kathorus 4-3 School of Excellence
Siwelele 2-0 Jomo Cosmos
Mamelodi Sundowns 5-0 Rockefvs
RESA 3-2 Panorama
Randburg AFC 2-1 Prestige
Joburg City 3-1 Tuks
Wits Junior 1-0 Highlands Park

Bishops hosted Rondebosch Boys’ High on the Frank Reid Oval in the final fixture of the season for both schools on Saturday.

When the coin toss went their way, the visitors opted to field first, and they made that decision count.

Opener Ibraheem Taliep was the home team’s top scorer, sending three balls to the boundary in his 23 runs off 47 deliveries. Waco Bassick, batting a four, was the next-highest scorer, weighing in with 18 as he and Taliep mustered a 30-run partnership for the third wicket. Clearly, though, a substantial total wasn’t on the cards.

Zion van Rensburg and Reuven dos Santos were tough to deal with in the middle overs. Both sent down six, and Dos Santos picked up 2/24, while Van Rensburg was twice as economical, nabbing 2/12. Matthew Brooks, though, bettered the pair, capturing 3/14 in five overs.

The Bishops’ innings lasted only 35.5 overs and ended with the hosts all out for 97.

Openers Ramano Pedro and Luca Ghigone, then ensured it would be Rondebosch’s day by compiling a 73-run opening stand.

Pedro top-scored with 43 off 68, smashing two fours and two sixes, while Ghigone collected three fours in an otherwise cautious 26 off 56 deliveries.

Imraan Leith removed both openers and recorded the miserly figures of 2/9 from five overs, but the ‘Bosch openers had inflicted terminal damage on Bishops by then.

After 27 overs, the visitors sealed victory in the Bish-Bosch derby when they reached 100/2 to end their season with a morale-boosting eight-wicket win.

Summarised Scorecard

Diocesan College 97/10 (Ibraheem Taliep 23; Matthew Brooks 3/14, Zion van Rensburg 2/12, Reuven dos Santos 2/24); Rondebosch Boys’ High 100/2 (Ramano Pedro 43, Luca Ghigone 26; Imraan Leith 2/9). Rondebosch won by eight wickets.