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Daar bestaan ‘n groot moontlikheid dat slegs een van die twee Noord-Kaapse Batho-verteenwoordigers by verlede jaar se DStv Schools Challenge, Duineveld en Diamantveld, vanjaar weer die provinsie op die nasionale toernooi sal verteenwoordig.

Indien albei die skole se eerstespanne bo-aan hul onderskeie poele eindig en hul onderskeie kwarteindstryde wen, sal die twee sake in die een halfeindstryd vir ‘n plek in die provinsiale eindstryd uitspook.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Die Noord-Kaap been van die DStv Schools Challenge vind van Vrydag af op die bane van die Hoërskool Duineveld in Upington plaas.

Die Velties was verlede jaar die kampioen. Hulle is saam met Hopetown, Floors en Veritas in Poel A geloot.

Hoërskool Upington kan vanjaar met ‘n rits goeie vertonings vir homself ‘n plek in die nasionale toernooi wat van 25 tot 27 Julie bespreek. Die nasionale toernooi word op die Hoërskool Dr. EG Jansen van Boksburg se bane beslis.

Die Uppies het vir Daniëlskuil (40-3) en Duineveld (30-29) in hul ZF Mgcawu-wedstryde geklop. Hulle het ook vroeër vanjaar vir Diamantveld met 25-16 die loef afgesteek.

Diamantveld is saam met die Hoërskool Kalahari van Kuruman en Saul Damon in Poel C geloot. Saul Damon was verlede jaar een van die Noord-Kaap se verteenwoordigers in die Ubuntu-been van die DStv Schools Challenge.

Die Poele: 

Poel A: Hoërskool Upington, Douglas, Nababeep.
Poel B: Duineveld, Hopetown, Floors, Veritas.
Poel C: Kalahari, Diamantveld, Saul Damon.
Poel D: Curro Kathu, Noord-Kaap, Friersdale.

Die bepalings: 

Vrydag, 30 Mei 2025

Baan A 

11:30 – Hoërskool Upington vs Douglas; 12:20 – Diamantveld vs Saul Damon; 13:10 – Hoërskool Upington vs Nababeep; 14:00 – Floors vs Veritas; 14:50 – Curro Kathu vs Noord-Kaap; 15:40 – Kalahari vs Diamantveld; 16:30 – Hopetown vs Floors; 17:20 – Kalahari vs Saul Damon.

Baan B 

11:30 – Duineveld vs Floors; 12:20 – Hopetown vs Veritas; 13:10 – Noord-Kaap vs Friersdale; 14:00 – Duineveld vs Hopetown; 15:40 – Douglas vs Nababeep; 16:30 – Duineveld vs Veritas; 17:20 – Curro Kathu vs Friersdale.

Saterdag, 31 Mei 2025 

Baan A

08:00 – A1 vs D2 (E) Batho; 08:50 – B1 vs A2 (G) Batho; 09:40 – A1 vs D1 (E) Ubuntu; 10:30 – Wenner E vs Wenner F (I) Batho; 11:20 – Wenner E vs Wenner F (Ubuntu); 12:10 – Wenner I vs Wenner J Batho.

Baan B

08:00 – D1 vs C2 (F) Batho; 08:50 – C1 vs B2 (H) Batho; 09:40 – B1 vs C1 (F) Ubuntu; 10:30 – Wenner G vs Wenner H (J) Batho; 11:20 – Verloorder E vs Verloorder F (Ubuntu); 12:10 – Verloorder I vs Verloorder J Batho.

Die spanne is: 

Hoërskool Upington: Lané Esterhuizen, Anria Oberholzer, Susanna Kotze, Jenique Matthys, Liebe Karsten, Tarien Karsten, Raquel Raman, Alida Louw, Cara Fourie.

Duineveld: Stephanie Kruger, Abriëlle de Witt, Janike Coffee, Marné Compion, Carla Kuhn, Yolanda de Kock, Mathilda Terblanche, Zandri Brink, Ina Adrianatos, Megan Lombard.

Diamantveld: Anastasia de Bruin, Brithe Honiball, Hester Jansen, Izeldi Jacobs, Johandri de Wet, Klarissa Taljaard, Lené de Jongh, Micke Muller, Mienke van Niekerk, Zandri Starke.

Douglas: Caretha Nel, Chanté Brummer, Naomi Julies, Mariné van Bergen, Chané Steenkamp, Janeske Ferreira, Izé Hanekom, Ermine Erasmus, Carli Eveleigh, Anlia Nel.

Hopetown: Renchia Jooste, Joané Botha, Anrilé Victor, Simoné Schlebusch, Joe-Mary Kakora, Loudine Fourie, Jani Prins, Alri Wiese, Ezané Baartman.

Kalahari: Keira Blom, Monthati Louw, Jennifer Brember, Anika Thomatos, Shama-Elle Langeveldt, Limari Fleming, Clariesa Venter, Leungo Goto, Danel Lubbe, Nicole Kriek.

Curro Kathu: Karlie Joubert, Lily-Rose Lewis, Palesa Rooibaadjie, Esme Rautenbach, Erin Jansen, Kelly-Joe Willemse, Nicine Visagie, Realeboga Mongwaketse, Santiné van der Merwe.

Saul Damon: Amorencia Mapanka, Shanodine Bok, Geraldine Cloete, Chanté Delie, Denevia van Wyk, Jaida Myles, Cayden Lombaard, Michandré Willemse, Jomaré van Rooi, Tamia van Wyk.

Die Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale se eersterugbyspan sal Saterdag probeer vermag wat geen span vanjaar nog kon doen nie. Boonop kon geen span  van Oakdale dit sedert 2001 vermag nie.

En dit is om Paarl Gimnasium om te dop. Die Gimmies is gasheer vir die kragmeting en sal as die gunsteling op die veld draf, maar hulle sal glad nie oorgerus oor die kragmeting wees nie.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Die Gimmies was nog nie vanjaar aan die verloorkant nie. Die span se enigste amper vlekkie op hul vlekkelose rekord was ‘n gelykop-uitslag van 16-elk teen die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria.

Oakdale het ook vanjaar ‘n uitstekende seisoen met slegs twee nederlae teen onderskeidelik Grey-kollege (10-25) en Rondebosch Boys’ High (7-10). Dit was ook die skool vanuit Riversdal se eerste twee wedstryde van die 2025-seisoen.

Indien Oakdale vir ‘n opskudding wil sorg sal sy agttal op sy stukke moet wees. Veral die vertonings van Kai Pratt (loskopstut), Jannes Snyman (flank en kaptein) asook Jakobus de Villiers (agtsteman) sal deurslaggewend wees.

Die span van Riversdal het verlede week vir Stellenberg met 47-17 geklop. Sy senterpaar, Christiaan Vorster en Anrich Scheffer, het ook ‘n reuse taak wat op hul wag.

Gimmies se kaptein en buitesenter, Markus Muller, het vanjaar al sy teenstanders ore aangesit. Sy binnesenter, Ethan Barker, verdien ook lof vir hoe goed hy saam met Muller kombineer. Die Gimmies was verlede week in ‘n vernietigende bui deur HTS Drostdy se Donkies met 92-12 kaf te draf.

Muller en die agtsteman, Quintin Potgieter, is teen rustyd afgehaal om aan hul welverdiende ruskans te gee.

Die spanne is: 

Paarl Gimnasium (moontlik): 15 Dawid Badenhorst, Jeerahno Jagers, 13 Markus Muller (kaptein), 12 Ethan Barker, 11 Thomas Saunders, 10 Louis Koen, 9 Mickyle Booise, 8 Quintin Potgieter, 7 Hendré van Zyl, 6 Hendré van der Westhuizen, 5 Jean Dreyer, 4 Bernhardt Schulze, 3 Adriaan van der Lingen, 2 Charles Whitehead, 1 Pieta Cilliers.

Oakdale Landbou: 15 Reinhart Viljoen, 14 Myburgh Eksteen, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 12 Christiaan Vorster, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Jandrian Goosen, 8 Jakobus de Villiers, 7 Liam Lightly, 6 Jannes Snyman (kaptein), 5 Rico Ferreira, 4 Diaan Augustyn, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Adrian Smith, 1 Kai Pratt.

Afskop: 13:00

Wie kon ooit voorspel het dat Hoërskool Transvalia na sy eerste twee wedstryde, as nuweling in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling, steeds onoorwonne sou wees?

Volg al die Beker aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die span van Vanderbijlpark het inderdaad reeds sy stem dik gemaak deur vir Hoërskool Rustenburg (20-13) en Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (39-26) te verslaan in vanjaar se reeks. Dit is hierdie week egter die eerste keer dat Valia moet reis vir ‘n wegwedstryd, wanneer hulle vir Die Hoërskool Menlopark Saterdagmiddag in die Jakarandastad aandurf.

Die besoekers pak die tog na Pretoria aan met ‘n onveranderde span, met die kookwaterflanke, Daniel Kazambo en Juan Bischoff, weer aan die spits. Kazambo is onlangs vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar in die Valke se Cravenweekspan ingesluit.

Die Parkies se span keer terug na normaal, ná die ontwrigting van die vorige week, met Andru Keun wat weer sy plek op losskakel en as kaptein inneem. Keun het die stryd teen Hoërskool Garsfontein misgeloop weens siekte, maar betyds herstel om Saterdag weer die span aan te voer.

Die gevaarlike Leskin Samuels skuif van vleuel terug na sy gunstelingposisie op buitsenter, waar hy en sy Cravenweek-sentermaat, Dylan Stumke, ‘n groot bedreiging bied vir Valia in die middeveld.

Hoërskool Noordheuwel reis na Boksburg met slegs een verandering aan die span wat verlede week met Hoërskool Monument afgereken het, om met Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen swaarde te kruis. Skrumskakel, Gideon Diedericks, ondervind las van ‘n ligte dyspierbesering en neem ‘n blaaskans, hoewel die Nories nog nie ‘n plaasvervanger vir hom aangewys het nie.

Die verdedigende kampioen, Hoërskool Garsfontein, gaan self gebuk onder beserings, terwyl provinsiale verpligtinge die afrigtingspan se taak ook nie vergemaklik nie. As kampioen sal die Bere nietemin hul diepte Saterdag op Berepark teen Hoërskool Nelspruit wil tentoonstel.

Die Rhinos lek nog hul wonde na ‘n nederlaag van 31-38 teen Hoërskool Rustenburg in die vorige ronde, maar sal onder leiding van agsteman, Vaughn van Zyl, vasberade wees om terug te keer na die wenpad.

Die spanne: 

Menlopark t. Transvalia om 12:30 in Pretoria: 

Menlopark (moontlik): 15 Reinhardt Hebrst, 14 Bladen Peterson, 13 Leskin Samuels, 12 Dylan Stumke, 11 Juan Joubert, 10 Andru Keun, 9 Gustav Scäffner, 8 JN van Wyk, 7 Tiaan Boshoff, 6 Nathen du Plessis, 5 Keagen Pretorius, 4 Xander Roets, 3 Ruvan van Aardt, 2 Declan Pelser, 1 Mattheus Prinsloo.

Transvalia: 15 Lorenzo Flynn, 14 Dihan Crause, 13 Danté Oosthuizen, 12 Declan Hattingh, 11 Tumi Moloi, 10 Jay-Dee Maree, 9 Johan Smit, 8 Wynand Stolz, 7 Daniel Kazambo, 6 Juan Bischoff, 5 Christiaan Liebenberg, 4 Kyle Maartens, 3 Damian van Heerden, 2 Wihandré Kruger, 1 Vusi Morathi.

Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen t. Noordheuwel om 12:25 in Boksburg:

EG Jansen: 15 Deshean Pietersen, 14 Otlatleng Zulu, 13 Christopher Combrink, 12 Nathan Delport, 11 Jordan van der Westhuizen, 10 Juan van Aswegen, 9 Joseph Diesel, 8 Slade Mowbray, 7 Dian Botha, 6 Craig Lightfoot, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Jacques van Tonder, 3 Deveraux Wideman, 2 Marco Ventura, 1 Ruan Rossouw.

Noordheuwel (moontlik): 15 Jeandré Uithaler, 14 Aidan Bester, 13 Tristan Helmund, 12 Kieran Reid, 11 Jayden Steyn, 10 Pablo Moeketsane, 9 Gillie Diedericks, 8 Armand van Eck, 7 Juandré de Villiers, 6 Andrew Lambert, 5 Roehan Hoogendyk, 4 Kean Lourens, 3 Steph Botha, 2 Clinton Agu, 1 Skuttie Bezuidenhout.

Garsfontein t. Hoërskool Nelspruit om 12:30 in Pretoria: 

Garsfontein (moontlik): 15 Junade Pasensie, 14 Junaide Stuart, 13 Levi Jordaan, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Drewyn Baron, 10 Derrick Kuhn, 9 Dian van Aswegen, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 Stefan van der Vyver, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Derik Potgieter, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Morné Coetzer, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Morné Coetzer.

Nelspruit: 15 Jordan Pretorius, 14 Kamo Monkwe, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Dhandré van Wyk, 5 Werno Heyns, 4 André Smit, 3 Gert Cloete, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela.

Hoërskool Rustenburg, ná sy onlangse sege oor Hoërskool Nelspruit, word tans as ‘n besliste bedreiging beskou in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling.

Volg al die Beker aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die Rusties, onder die wakende oog van die voormalige Cheetahs- en Stormers-losskakel, Naas Olivier, en sy afrigtingspan, het ontwikkel in ‘n afgeronde eenheid wat indrukwekkende momentum opbou. ‘n Wegsege Saterdag oor Hoërskool Waterkloof kan behoorlik die kat in die Beker-duiwehok loslaat.

Die Klofies het egter self ‘n momentum-inspuiting ontvang met hul sege van 27-19 oor Die Hoërskool Menlopark twee weke gelede, terwyl die loslootjie daarna ook welkom was.

Die blaaskans was ongelukkig nie lank genoeg vir Zack Jordaan om te herstel nie. Die Klofies se skrumskakel, wat deur die loop van die seisoen in ‘n gedugte skakelpaar ontwikkel het met kaptein, Ronan Bastiaanse, loop Saterdag se stryd mis weens ‘n kniebesering wat steeds pla.

Volgens breier, Cobus van Dyk, is dit nie ernstig nie, maar slegs voorkomend om vir Jordaan tyd te bied om volkome te herstel. Jacobus van den Berg neem sy plek op skrumskakel in, terwyl slot, Leander van der Westhuizen, afskuif bank toe met Phillip Mans wat sy kans in die beginspan kry.

Rustenburg het self twee veranderinge aangebring. Dirk Huisamen is hierdie week weer op agsteman in aksie met Thian Labuschagne wat in die nr 7-trui diens doen, terwyl Xander Stickling vir Jan-Paul Nel op loskopstut vervang.

Tjaart van der Walt keer terug na Hoërskool Monument met ‘n vuurwarm Helpmekaar Kollege, wat mik vir ‘n vierde agtereenvolgende oorwinning in vanjaar se kompetisie. Die Helpies is tans eerste op die Beker-puntelys en dit is duidelik hoekom.

Hulle verwelkom woelwater-kantman, Zian Smit, terug na ‘n besering. Hy sal egter van die bank af speel met die Helpies se lostrio, en vernaam oopkantflank, Zaiden Krige, wat uithalerspel lewer op die oomblik.

Die Wit Bulle van Krugersdorp sal nietemin oorgehaal wees om te vergoed vir hul eerste nederlaag in 24 jaar teen Hoërskool Noordheuwel verlede naweek. Monnas het reeds vanjaar gewys wat in hulle steek, soos met die wegholsege oor Jeppe High School for Boys vroeër vanjaar.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Waterkloof t. Hoërskool Rustenburg om 13:30 in Pretoria: 

Waterkloof: 15 Tiaan Posthumus, 14 Gustav Mienie, 13 Meyer Pretorius, 12 Dylan Botha, Jaiden Badenhorst, 10 Ronan Bastiaanse, 9 Jacobus van den Berg, 8 Marko Kok, 7 Dawid Prinsloo, 6 Divan Botha, 5 Heinrich Naude, 4 Phillip Mans, 3 Jedri Swart, 2 Ruan Jacobs, 1 Alexander Elliott.

Rustenburg: 15 Ayden Willemse, 14 Bradley Snyers, 13 Jon-Ré Jefthas, 12 Hendré Robinson, 11 Waide Davey, 10 Ricardo Enos, 9 Adriano George, 8 Dirk Huisamen, 7 Thian Labuschagne, 6 MJ Otto, 5 Evan van Heerden, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Jayden Minnie, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Xander Stickling.

Monument t. Helpmekaar Kollege om 12:30 in Krugersdorp:

Monument (moontlik): 15 Ewan van der Walt, 14 Jason Joubert, 13 Viandré van Loggerenberg, 12 Juandré Ehlers, 11 Ruan Genis, 10 Cameron Kourie, 9 Evan Berhardi, 8 Ryno van der Westhuizen, 7 Regard Ernst, 6 Siya Ncube, 5 Dean Hartman, 4 Vincent Roberts, 3 Janco Pretorius, 2 Reghardt Ernst, 1 Danie Smith.

Helpmekaar Kollege: 15 Ty Ax, 14 Xander van Niekerk, 13 Clinton Cloete, 12 Ethan Lourens, 11 Francois Tonkin, 10 Wian Storm, 9 Shaye Lourens, 8 Lewelyn Vermaak, 7 Zaiden Krige, 6 Sydney Nicholson, 5 Eugen de Lange, 4 Diandro Botha, 3 Dylan Engelbrecht, 2 Keanan Combrink, 1 Liam Devenier.

The stage is set for a highly anticipated meeting between Paul Roos Gimnasium and South African College High School (SACS) this Friday in Stellenbosch.

The massive encounter will headline the week’s Hyundai Friday Nite Lights action. It’s scheduled for 19:15 at the iconic Maties AstroTurf.

The last meeting between the sides was at the Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, at the beginning of May. On that occasion, SACS came out on top, winning 6-5 on penalties after an enthralling clash ended deadlocked at 3-3.

There has been an intense build-up to Friday’s showdown, with both teams locked in and laser focused. Many regard their meeting as a battle between the two best teams in the country.

We take a look at some of the unsung heroes who will be out to make their marks on the big stage.

SACS

It’s no secret that SACS has several players with big-match temperament who can influence a game with one play or a moment of individual brilliance.

Players like Litha Kraai and Reece Theunis come to mind, but they can’t work their magic without the help of their teammates, who don’t grab as many headlines.

Zach Redfern is up there as one of the unsung heroes in the star-laden SACS side. Playing as a holding midfielder at times, Redfern’s composure on the ball and his ability to pick out his teammates with accurate passes creates ample opportunities for them.

He links up well with, among others, Mohlodi Maseko and Kraai, and defensively, he’s hard to beat.

Aiden Hughes, Matthew Lassen, and Cameron Cordeiro have been superb for coach Sam Holmes this season, bossing proceedings in midfield and at the back when needed, while skipper Jo le Roux needs no introduction. After a good rookie season in the first team in 2024, he has taken to the captaincy like a duck to water. 

Le Roux exudes calm and composure with and without the ball. He makes great reads, distributes well, and always gets his team onto the front foot.

Paul Roos

After the exodus of many experienced players at the end of last season, Paul Roos was forced into a rebuilding phase. 

Last year’s team had top individual talents, including Reuben Sendzul, Barend Geldenhuys, and Joshua Smit, who could change the tide of a game in the blink of an eye.

This season PRG’s focus has been about teamwork for coach Michael Baker and his troops. They’ve been in good form and helping them to succeed have been a number of players who’ve gone under the radar.

Starting at the back, Tylor Carter has been rock-solid for the Stellenbosch school, with the help of Danesh Titus and Logan Lackay.

Carter doesn’t get mentioned much, but that’s also a sign that he’s been doing his job consistently well. He’s a sound tackler and a good distributor from the back. He’ll come up against tough opposition from SACS, but he should hold his own.

The midfield battle will be interesting, and PRG will look to their vice-captain Seth Paterson and Ruben Gouws to produce the goods. More often than not, captain Christo Swanepoel grabs the headlines for being the “midfield maestro”, but Paterson and Gouws also pull the strings.

They are super energetic, gobbling up the ground as they traverse the turf, and they often put themselves in the right spaces to make a difference.

Up front, Charlie Boucher is another man who’ll be aiming to make his mark, and there’s no better fixture to do that in than against SACS.

Strong performances from the players mentioned above could determine which team snatches the bragging rights.

For a full, extensive preview of the clash between Paul Roos and SACS, click HERE.

Absa Wildeklawer champions, Virginia High School, delivered a standout performance in the Magnificent Wednesday Schools League, but they still find themselves one point behind St Anne’s Technical High School in the standings of circuit nine.

While the other circuits have not yet started their seasons, circuit nine is running smoothly, with five rounds of action in the book.

On Wednesday afternoon, the matches in the Lejweleputswa region of Virginia, in the Free State, were characterised by a flurry of goals.

Virginia High overwhelmed Mamello Secondary School, powering their way to a 10-0 win.

Lebohang Mobe was exceptional, netting five times, while Thato Kraal struck twice. Oageng Lebesane, Mpho Nhlokoe, and Boikanyo Moloi completed the scoring.

St Anne’s, after a 1-0 win over Virginia High last Friday, continued their winnings ways with a 4-1 win over Marematlou Secondary School.

Although Marematlou took the lead with a goal from Mpho Steward, St Anne’s quickly retaliated with a fierce counterattack and went on to a comfortable victory.

Makume Molemela, Keorapetse Nyathi, Thabang, and the side’s youngest player, 15-year-old Thabiso Sejentu, each contributed a goal to St Anne’s success.

Harmony High School also bagged three points, but only because of the absence of Reatlehile Secondary School.

RESULTS

Harmony High School 2-0 Reatlehile Secondary School (Walkover)
Virginia High School 10-0 Mamello Secondary School
St Anne’s Technical High School 4-1 Marematlou Secondary School

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Friday, 30 May

Magnificent Wednesday Schools League 

Virginia High School vs Meloding Secondary
Reatlehile Secondary School vs St Anne’s Technical High School

South Africa’s Griffin Colby and Quinton Immelman were included amongst the list of match officials confirmed on Thursday for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Rugby Championship, which kicks off in a month’s time in Italy.

Colby will do duty as a match referee whilst Immelman will be involved as a Television Match Official (TMO).

Ten referees from 10 different nations have been selected to officiate at the age-grade tournament, which will be staged across the Lombardia and Veneto regions in Italy from 29 Juneto 19 July.

Apart from Colby, the other referees are Tomas Bertazza (Argentina), Ben Breakspear (Wales), Katsuki Furuse (Japan), Peter Martin (Ireland), Marcus Playle (New Zealand), Jérémy Rozier (France), Filippo Russo (Italy), Lex Weiner (USA) and Morgan White (Hong Kong China).

Seven of the 10 will be making their World Rugby U20 Championship debuts, including Katsuki Furuse, Morgan White, and Lex Weiner, underlining the strength of World Rugby’s development pathway for match officials.

Five Television Match Officials complete the panel in Immelman, Leo Colgan (Ireland), Graham Cooper (Australia), Aled Griffiths (Wales), and Dan Jones (RFU) with two of them – Colgan and Immelman – also selected for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England later this year.

World Rugby Talent ID Manager and Tournament Referee Manager Johnny Lacey said: “The selection of this panel highlights the referees that are coming through our pathway system. We have been working closely with our unions and regions to increase the number of match officials in our pathway into World Rugby competitions.

“We are already starting to see the benefits with our talent identification programme providing four referees for this tournament and we are excited to see what the future holds for the officials involved in our men’s and women’s pathways.”

 The world’s best 12 teams will play matches across four cities in Italy – Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona and Viadana – in the race to lift the coveted trophy.

England are the defending champions after beating France in the 2024 final in South Africa for a fourth title, while three-time winners France arrive in Italy as U20 Six Nations champions, and six-time champions New Zealand recently won the U20 Rugby Championship crown.

Split into three pools of four teams, the winners of each pool and the best runner-up across the three pools will qualify for the semi-finals.

World Rugby Under-20 Championship 2025:

Date: 29 June to 19 July

Stadiums: Stadio San Michele (Calvisano), Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo), Payanini Center (Verona), Stadio Luigi Zaffanella (Viadana).

Pools:

Pool A: England (1), Australia (6), South Africa (7), Scotland (12)

Pool B: France (2), Argentina (5), Wales (8), Spain (11)

Pool C: New Zealand (3), Ireland (4), Georgia (9), Italy (10)

Pool matches:

Match day 1: Sunday, 29 June (Calvisano and Verona)

Match day 2: Friday, 4 July (Rovigo and Viadana)

Match day 3: Wednesday, 9 July (Calvisano and Verona)

Playoffs:

Match day 4: Monday, 14 July (Verona and Viadana)

Match day 5 (final and ranking matches): Saturday, 19 July (Calvisano and Rovigo)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications and World Rugby

André Poulton will return to Collard Field when Jeppe High School for Boys welcomes the formidable Wit Bulle from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) for their annual Jukskei derby on Saturday, at 13:30, in Johannesburg.

Follow all the action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

The mighty South African Schools A prop makes a long-awaited return after missing most of Jeppe’s season through injury. His inclusion provides the home side with a much-needed injection of power ahead of a titanic physical clash against the diesel engine from Pretoria.

Another boost for Jeppe comes in the form of openside flank Kazimla Manzi, who also moves into the starting line-up, taking over the number six jersey from Ross Schuurman.

The rivalry between the schools dates back to their first meeting in 1996, when Affies claimed a commanding 39–3 victory. Since then, the Pretoria outfit has won all 17 encounters, with Jeppe still searching for a first-ever win against the side from the Jacaranda City.

The Wit Bulle remain one of the elite “Big Five” of South African schoolboy rugby. This season, they held Paarl Gimnasium, regarded by many as the best team in the country, to a 16-16 draw. They also scored a 20-18 win over Paul Roos Gimnasium at the prestigious Absa Wildeklawer tournament in Kimberley.

However, they came up short against a top-class Paarl Boys’ High side, going down 17-25, and they also fell 37-42 to their long-time rivals, Grey College, in Bloemfontein.

The visitors, fresh off a comfortable win over King Edward VII School (KES), arrive in Johannesburg with a reshuffled side. Notably, Divan Fourie shifts from wing to fullback, replacing Lamond Baadjies, who is sidelined for 21 days under concussion protocols following a head injury sustained against the Red Army. Dian Botha comes in on the wing in Fourie’s place.

The Wit Bulle are prepared for a full-blooded 70-minute battle. Meanwhile, the striped jerseys of Jeppe have shown an ability to punch above their weight, and their form has trended up as the season has progressed.

Their 23-player squad features 13 promising youngsters, which is a deliberate effort to build experience for a second season of First XV rugby in 2026.

TEAMS

Jeppe High School for Boys vs Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool at 13:30 in Pretoria 

Jeppe: 15 Dalitso Milanzi, 14 Ndimphiwe Mjiji, 13 Lindelani Nkambule, 12 Phano Letsie, 11 Lethabo Mashao, 10 Neheia Hollenbach, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Mihle Dyakala, 7 Grady Ngui, 6 Kazimla Manzi, 5 Glodi Tshipamba, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 Alwuwani Ndlovu, 2 Ayanda Funeka, 1 André Poulton.

Affies: 15 Divan Fourie, 14 Joshua Gouws, 13 Estian Marx, 12 Petrus Rautenbach, 11 Dian Botha, 10 Ruben Groenewald, 9 Fourie Roberts, 8 Stephan McDonald, 7 Elwin Jansen van Vuuren, 6 Luan Potgieter, 5 Christiaan De Wet, 4 Martin van Niekerk, 3 Deon Botes, 2 Bauke Swart, 1 Roal Kruger.

The development of women’s rugby to ensure the growth of the game, the important role of schools’ rugby and the FNB Youth Weeks, and the presentation of a unified tackle age framework were three of the main points on the agenda at SA Rugby’s second Community Rugby Workshop, which was held in Johannesburg earlier this week.

Bringing together representatives from all 15 provincial unions and key stakeholders, the two-day event – hosted by SA Rugby’s Participation & Development Department – focused on several strategic priorities, which also included the implementation of Long-Term Player and Coach Development pathways (LTPD and LTCD) and the continued emphasis on player safety.

A major highlight was the presentation of a unified tackle age framework for all participants in the South African rugby ecosystem, with timelines confirmed for its approval and rollout.

“This workshop is more than a meeting – it’s a cornerstone for the future of South African rugby,” said Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby.

“It embodies our commitment to the #GrowTogetherPlayTogether philosophy, ensuring that rugby thrives in every community.”

Mr Alexander emphasized the vital role of community rugby in growing the game, developing players, coaches, match officials, and administrators, noting that while elite rugby often garners the spotlight, the heart of the game beats strongest at grassroots level.

“It is at this level that the hard work is done, shaping the players, match officials, coaches, and leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “While the top tiers of the game often receive the exposure and limelight, it is here, within the heart of the community, where the true essence of rugby thrives.

“We deeply respect and admire the dedication, passion, and commitment of those who drive this crucial component of our sport. Without your efforts, rugby would not be the force it is today. You are the bedrock of our game, ensuring its growth, accessibility, and continued excellence across all levels.”

SA Rugby’s presentations and deliberations covered a wide range of strategic initiatives:

• Women’s Rugby Development: Plans to host U16 and U18 Elite Player Development camps for girls later this year were unveiled, with a focus on mirroring the structures available to boys. The aim is to create equal opportunities for female players and coaches through clear, sustainable pathways.
• Training and Education: Enhanced efforts to equip players, coaches, and match officials with the tools to succeed at all levels.
• Schools and Youth Rugby: The FNB Youth Weeks and school rugby remain central to the development pipeline, with renewed emphasis on post-COVID recovery and growth.
• Data-Driven Growth: Verified participation data was shared, reinforcing SA Rugby’s strategic goal – as outlined in the “Destination 2027” plan – to grow male participation by 10% and female participation by 30% by the end of 2027.
• Match-officials: Grow the number of referees, improve operational efficiencies, and improve refereeing through standardised inhouse coaching systems and education.

“Data is the new oil in community rugby,” said Ian Schwartz, General Manager of the Participation & Development Department. “It fuels our strategic direction and supports the creation of a gender-inclusive ecosystem where all players and coaches can thrive.

“South Africa is among the few countries globally where rugby participation continues to grow, with over 103,986 male and female players currently registered. However, the growth in female participation remains relatively slow, with women making up only 6.5% of the total playing population.”

The workshop also highlighted the impact of key development programmes with the aim of expanding access and opportunity.

The Get Into Rugby (GIR) programme now accounts for 50% of primary school participants and 80% of all girls in the system, while the VUKA programme and Iqhawe Week, which are run by the SA Rugby Legends Association (SARLA), continue to expand access to rugby in underrepresented communities, smaller and rural schools.

Plans to continue with the Pick n Pay Gold Cup club tournament were also confirmed, providing a vital platform for club players to transition into high-performance environments. A national women’s club competition remains a strategic priority.

Important updates were shared on BokSmart compliance, safeguarding protocols, the management of participation data and the planned tournaments and operational processes for the year.

“Rugby is more than a sport – it’s a community and a catalyst for positive change,” concluded Mr Alexander. “To everyone who contributes to this journey – from the provincial unions, other stakeholders and the SA Rugby Legends, for their generous and ongoing contribution to the growth of the game while reinforcing rugby’s vital role in social upliftment, thank you. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future for South African rugby.”

 Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Queensburgh High School has qualified for the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal B-League final with one game remaining.

They remain unbeaten after a 2-0 win over Redwood College on Wednesday.

On Thursday, 5 June, they will face New Forest High in their final match of the regular season before playing for the B-League title and promotion to the Coastal A-League in 2026.

Queensburgh has played six matches thus far, won five of them, and drawn the other. With one game to go, they’re top of the table on 16 points. Another win would lift them to 19 out of a possible 21.

The battle to face Queensburgh in the final has not yet been resolved. It’s very tight. Sastri College has 11 points. So, too, does Durban High School (DHS), and Grosvenor Boys’ High is lurking, ready to pounce and take advantage of any slips. They have 10 points.

Sastri College’s quest for second place was interrupted by fifth-placed New Forest in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday. Next week, they face DHS. Should either of the teams win, they’ll be through to the title game. Should they draw, Grosvenor could sneak into the final. DHS was in dominant form on Wednesday, outplaying Amanzimtoti 3-0.

Grosvenor’s task in the last round of matches will be to beat Redwood College. Any result besides a win means their hopes of a shot at the title will be over.

The team from the Bluff showed they meant business on Wednesday, firing six goals past Ashton Ballito A in a 6-2 victory.  Ashton, though, is bottom of the table, so Grosvenor will expect a tougher game from Redwood.

RESULTS

Coastal B

Grosvenor 6-2 Ashton Ballito A
Durban High School 3-0 Amanzimtoti
Queensburgh High School 2-0 Redwood
New Forest 2-2 Sastri