Results
Players: Winston Williams, Bernardo Botha, Duncan Witbooi, Ronnie Victor, Shaun Stander, Devron Jansen, Albert Sorgdrager, Marius Jordaan, Petrie van Zittert, Henre Basson, Bennie du Toit, Cornel van Wyk, Rudolph Seyffert, Wenstley Scott, Rohan Vorstman, Lex du Plessis, Joseph Legote, Shaun O’Reilly, Jacques Pretorius, Louis van Rensburg, Rowen de Villiers.
Coaches: Stefan Lourens and Jan de Wet.
Manager: Skip Viljoen.
According to a concept document that has leaked out the three top school rugby sides in South Africa would’ve been between Diocesan College (Bishops), Grey College of Bloemfontein, or Paul Roos Gimnasium from Stellenbosch. These three schools all have three “representatives” in a possible South African Schools’ side for 2020 that was chosen in secret.
Now lets first make a disclaimer our intent for the article is not to leak this concept document, but rather to provide a balanced and informed piece about the usual process behind the selection of the SA Schools side as well as what makes someone receive an SA Schools’ cap.
After receiving the concept document with the possible SA Schools’ squad and a Saru u18 Elite Squad for 2020 – we first decided not to publish an article, but after seeing various social media posts with the team we felt that it was necessary to write an article to prevent any speculation or misinformation on whether these players in the squad are SA Schools’ player or not.
This team that has been “selected” by either the roleplayers within SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development programme or the national schools’ selectors that have been doing the round on social media are not an official team even if it was selected by the correct powers to be that usually contribute towards the selection process.
The only way that a player is recorded as an SA Schools’ player and his name added to the prestigious list of players that made the team since 1974 is to play a match for the South African Schools’ side. Even in a normal year and not a Covid-19 affected 2020 if a player is named in the SA Schools’ squad after the Craven Week and doesn’t play due to injury they won’t get capped and their name won’t be added to the list of SA Schools’ players.
A recent example of such an incident is Jaco van der Walt (Monument) who was named in the South African Schools’ side back in 2011 after the Craven Week in Kimberley. Van der Walt did rock up to the training camp before the matches but was injured and Pieter Jordaan (Grey College) was called up to replace Van der Walt. The latter who plays his rugby at Edinburgh in Scotland at the moment has never received SA Schools’ honours.
Whoever picked the possible team for 2020 – we have to say it is a job well done. It would’ve been a difficult task as most school teams only played one or two matches before the 2020 season got interrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic. So this team would’ve been chosen mostly on potential as well as performances during SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development camps that were held just before the season kicked off.
Each year there is an outlier or two who makes a name for themselves during the season or during the national schools’ weeks, Craven and Academy Week. The selectors in a normal year would have been monitoring various players and watching many matches during the season before they sat down for the final selectors meeting in which they will choose the 28 players that will represent South Africa at school level.
This year as we all know didn’t give all the schools’ players of South Africa who were dreaming of that prestigious SA Schools’ cap the adequate opportunity to showcase their talents. We as supporters and school rugby writers were also not fortunate enough to witness the class of 2020 showcasing their talents on the various rugby fields from Komatipoort to Piley Rees at Bishops during the season.
The selectors and scouts also didn’t get the opportunity to see all the talent on offer. Therefore we believe the document that leaked out will stay a concept document as it would be unfair to select an SA Schools’ side on only potential.
To the players that “made” the squad in the concept document – we at School of Rugby agree that you have a lot of rugby potential and we look forward to seeing you play in the professional setup in the near future. Keep working hard and stay humble!
The possible SA Schools Squad for 2020:
Backs: Sonwabo Sokoyi (Grey College), Luke Burger (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Pachal Ekeji (Grey College), Ethan James (Paarl Gimnasium), Melbirt van der Spuy (Helpmekaar), Mnqobi Mkhize (Westville Boys’ High), Brandon Wilkie (Framesby), Suleiman Hartzenberg (Dioceson College), Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gimnasium), Sacha Mngomezulu (Diocesan College), Sihlalo Benge (Queen’s College), Bradley Davids (Paarl Gimnasium), Nico Steyn (Glenwood).
Forwards: Renzo du Plessis (Ben Vorster), Armand Maritz (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Sisonke Vumazonke (Grey College), Josh van Vreden (Selborne College), Reinhard Ludwig (Affies), Corné Rahl (Oakdale Landbou), Connor Evans (Diocesan College), Tielman Nieuwoudt (Grey College), Phillip Masango (Wynberg Boys’ High), Lukhanyo Vukozela (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Tiaan Lange (Menlopark), Frederich Weilbach (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Mpumelelo Xego (Westville Boys’ High).
SARU u18 Elite Squad
Fullbacks – Franco Knoetze (Grey College), Hakeem Kunene (Paarl Boys’ High), Sonwabo Sokoyi (Grey College).
Right Wings – Duran Koevert (SACS), Luke Burger (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Diego Cupido (Helpmekaar), Katleho Lethebele (King Edward VII).
Outside Centres – Ethan James (Paarl Gimnasium), Keagan Smith (Paarl Boys’ High), Quen Nortjé (Affies), Melbirt van der Spuy (Helpmekaar).
Inside Centres – Mnqobi Mkhize (Westville Boys’ High), Brandon Wilkie (Framesby), Regan Izaks (Grey College), Josh Jonas (Hudson Park).
Left Wings – Curwin Gertse (Paarl Gimnasium), Suleiman Hartzenburg (Diocesan College), Keanan Wentzel (Boland Landbou).
Flyhalves – Sacha Mngomezulu (Diocesan College), Sihlalo Benge (Queen’s College), Jean Smith (Grey College), Compion von Ludwigh (Paarl Boys’ High).
Scrumhalves – Bradley Davids (Paarl Gimnasium), Nico Steyn (Glenwood), Juan-Dee Olivier (Grey College), Neil le Roux (Oakdale Landbou), Rowan Cloete (Garsfontein).
No. 8 – Renzo du Plessis (Ben Vorster), Armand Maritz (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Willie Potgieter (Affies), Cornelius Volschenk (Grey College), Phillip Kleynhans.
Flankers – Sisonke Vumazonke (Grey College), Hardus Rothman (Garsfontein), Ndabambi Abulele (Paarl Boys’ High), Siyabuka Ningiza (Maritzburg College), Eric Basson (Paarl Gimnasium), Rynard Mouton (Monument), Josh van Vreden (Selborne College), Gcinokhule Mdletshe (Glenwood).
Locks – Reinhardt Ludwig (Affies), Corné Rahl (Oakdale Landbou), Coetzee le Roux (Paarl Boys’ High), Merwe Olivier (Grey College), Connor Evans (Diocesan College), Marko de Witt (Boland Landbou), Henk Gouws (Glenwood), Luca Ribbens (Paarl Boys’ High).
Tighthead Props – Tielman Nieuwoudt (Grey College), Phillip Masango (Wynberg Boys’ High), Sebastian Lombard (Paarl Boys’ High), Thansville Mayman (Garsfontein), Dian Heunis (Oakdale Landbou).
Hookers – Keagan Blackenberg (Diocesan College), Ricardo Fourie (Grey College), Tiaan Lange (Menlopark), Lukhanyo Vukozela (Rondebosch Boys’ High).
Loosehead Props – Frederich Weilbach (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Mpumeleo Xego (Westville Boys’ High), Heiko Pohlmann (Monument), Phatu Ganyane (Glenwood).
Former South African Schools captain Muzi Manyike is missing. The former head boy of Jeppe High School for Boys’ was reported missing earlier this month.
His agents In Touch Sports announced on 8 September 2020 that Manyike has signed a deal with the Blitsbokke.
A missing person’s report has been filed in Randfontein for Manyike on the 10th of November already. Anyone with information about Manyike’s whereabouts should contact the authorities immediately.
The contact person is Douglas at 071 334 7531.
Manyike represented the Golden Lions in the various age groups at school. He first attended Jan Viljoen in Randfontein before moving to Jeppe.
He made a name for himself at Jeppe not just on the rugby field but also as a young man with a lot of potential.
The utility back who played most of his representative rugby in the midfield also attended one of SA Rugby u20’s alignment camps earlier in the year.
Manyike was part of the SA u18 sevens team who was crowned champions of the Capricorn 7’s tournament in Windhoek in 2016.
Daar sal in 2021 ‘n nuwe liga by Afdeling 1 van die Virsekerbeker gevoeg word. Die besluit is deur die Noordvaal Skolerugby-vereniging (NVSRV) tydens ‘n spesiale Algemene Jaarvergadering op 6 November by die Hoërskool Alberton geneem.
Die nuwe voorsitter van die NVSRV, Dr. Jorrie Jordaan, het nie enige gras onder sy voete laat groeie sedert hy in die belangrikste stoel in skolerugby noord van die Vaalrivier sy plek ingeneem het nie. Jordaan is ook die skoolhoof van die Hoërskool Alberton en het voorheen ook die pos by die Hoërskool Linden beklee.
Jordaan dien al langer as 25 jaar op die NVSRV. Marius Briers van die Hoërskool Schoonspruit in Klerksdorp is tot sekretaris van die NVSRV verkies na Hans van Vreden (Midstream College) besluit het om die tuig saam met die voorsitter, Ferdie Niemand (Curro Roodeplaat) na die verening se 100ste bestaansjaar in 2020 neer te lê.
Agt skole vanuit Afdeling 2 het bevordering tot die nuwe liga in Afdeling 1 gekry danksy hulle vertonings in die 2019-seisoen. Die eerste twee kampioene van Afdeling 2 – Hoërskool Secunda (2018) en Hoërskool Pietersburg (2019) het albei bevordering ontvang. Die twee naaswenners tydens die nuwe sisteem in 2018 geimplementeer was – Frikkie Meyer van Thabazimbi en Ligbron van Ermelo sal volgende jaar in onderskeidelik Afdeling 2 en Afdeling 1 se Skild-afdeling in aksie wees.
Die agt skole wat sake om die titel van die nuwe liga sal uitspook is – die Hoërskool Centurion, Hoërskool Pietersburg, Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Hoërskool Secunda, Hoërskool Wesvalia, Die Anker van Brakpan, Hoërskool Alberton en Potchefstroom Volkskool. Die Luiperds het dus met drie skole die grootste verteenwoordiging in die nuwe liga.
Dié nuwe liga skop volgende jaar op 17 April af met die Hoërskool Klerksdorp wat na Centurion sal reis om die Hoërskool Centurion die stryd aan te sê.
Die bepalings is:
17 April 2021
Centurion vs Klerksdorp
24 April 2021
Secunda vs Centurion
8 Mei 2021
Centurion vs Alberton
Klerksdorp vs Die Anker
Potch Volkies vs Wesvalia
Secunda vs Pietersburg
15 Mei 2021
Die Anker vs Alberton
Wesvalia vs Centurion
Pietersburg vs Klerksdorp
Potch Volkies vs Secunda
22 Mei 2021
Alberton vs Klerksdorp
Centurion vs Die Anker
Potch Volkies vs Pietersburg
Wesvalia vs Secunda
29 Mei 2021
Alberton vs Potch Volkies
Secunda vs Die Anker
Pietersburg vs Wesvalia
17 Julie 2021
Pietersburg vs Alberton
Potch Volkies vs Centurion
Die Anker vs Wesvalia
Secunda vs Klerksdorp
24 Julie 2021
Alberton vs Secunda
Pietersburg vs Centurion
Die Anker vs Potch Volkies
Klerksdorp vs Wesvalia
31 Julie 2021
Wesvalia vs Alberton
Die Anker vs Pietersburg
Klerksdorp vs Potch Volkies
[powr-comments id=”d7884eca_1606046619184″]
Results:
Leopards 11, Zimbabwe 15
Leoprads 48, Griffons 7
Leopards 11, Eastern Province 18
Players: 15 G Dumond (Orkney), 14 LC Myburgh (Klerksdorp HS), 13 A van Rensburg (Potchefstroom THS), 12 PG Terblanche (Potchefstroom THS), 11 J van Niekerk (Klerksdorp HS), 10 JW Viljoen (Brits HS), 9 JN Sikhuza (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 8 S van der Merwe (Klerksdorp THS), 7 OJ Moloi (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 6 G de v Nieuwoudt (Brits HS), 5 HC Coetzee (Wagpos HS), 4 JD Koeglenberg (Wesvalia), 3 IJ Schoeman (Brits HS), 2 DS Britz (Wesvalia HS), 1 J Enos (Bergsig HS). Replacements: 16 A Kruger (Rustenburg HS), 17 ML Mojapelo (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 18 W Phambane (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 19 RL Schultz (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 20 J Schoeman (Wesvalia), 21 NB Modise (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 22 T Mkhabela (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School).
Results:
Leopards 12, KwaZulu-Natal 8
Leopards 16, Blue Bulls 49
Leopards 17, Boland 36
Team
15 Jacques du Preez (Rustenburg), 14 Lance Hannie (Pukke), 13 Stephan Bredell (Rustenburg), 12 Luan Steenkamp (Klerksdorp HS), 11 Dugmore Sithole (Vaal Reefs), 10 Paul Fourie (Klerksdorp HS), 9 Rudolph le Roux (Klerksdorp HS), 8 Thiliphatu Marole (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 7 Johannes Rose (Vryburg HS), 6 Uren Whitehead (Klerksdorp HS), 5 Bêrend Botha (Klerksdorp HS), 4 Juan-Pierre Mostert (Brits HS), 3 Wiehahn Herbst (Klerksdorp HS), 2 Kutlo Kopo (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 1 Je/Handry Gouws (Klerksdorp HS)
Replacements: 16 Jaco Vermeulen (Rustenburg), 17 Ntuthuko Bophela (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 18 Phuti Pooe (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 19 Nicolaas Ranft (Volkskool Potchefstroom), 20 Jabulani Nkuta (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School), 21 Michael Grootboom (Klerksdorp HS), 22 Thabang Magolego (Potchefstroom Boys’ High School)
Die eerste ronde van die Campus Cup vir laerskole skop vandag af. Die kompetisie is ‘n virtuele kompetisie wat op ‘n uitklopbasis op School of Rugby se Instagram en Facebook-blad beslis sal word.
Die wenner van elke virtuele wedstryd sal deur die aantal stemme wat ‘n skool ontvang bepaal word. Die stemming sal op albei platforms vir slegs 24 uur bly – ondersteuners van dié skole sal twee keer hul stem kan uitbring een keer op elk van die platforms (Instagram en Facebook).
Op Instagram stem jy deur op jou skool se naam op die story te kliek – indien jy jou stem suksesvol uitgebring het, sal die story ‘n persentasie van die stemme tot dusver uitgebring ten toon stel. Op Facebook gaan ons ‘n nuwe sisteem uittoets deur dat ondersteuners bv. die post like vir Laerskool Pofadder en love vir Laerskool Geelslang.
Wys jou ondersteuning vir jou skool en gemeenskap deur hulle tot die volgende ronde van die kompetisie deur te stem. Skole kan die skakel vir die Instagram storries met hulle ondersteuners via WhatsApp en op Facebook deel – asook dit deel via die skool se Instagram.
Die eindstryd van die kompetisie sal op 15 Desember 2020 plaasvind.
Vir meer inligting oor die kompetisie en ander skolerugby nuus besoek gerus ons webtuiste – www.schoolofrugby.co.za of laai die School of Rugby toepassing af op die Google Playstore. Indien u ‘n iPhone gebruiker is, kan u die toepassing aflaai deur app.schoolofrugby.co.za the besoek en die home button in die regterkantse hoek te kliek.
Die bepalings vir Ronde 1:
Laerskool De Hoop vs Laerskool Constantiapark
Laerskool Witrivier vs Laerskool Wolmaransstad
Laerskool Tygerpoort vs Laerskool Hennopspark
St Helena Primary vs Laerskool Messina
Laerskool Wonderboom vs Laerskool Rustenburg
Queen’s College vs Laerskool Concordia
Laerskool Fonrainebleau vs Laerskool Van Riebeeckstrand
Laerskool Staatspresident Swart vs Laerskool Worcester-Oos
Laerskool Saamtrek vs Laerskool Helderkruin
Laerskool Florida vs Curro Hazeldean
Laerskool Sonop vs Sunridge Primary
Clarendon Park vs Laerskool Thabazimbi
Laerskool Risiville vs Laerskool Standerton
Laerskool Lochnerhof vs Laerskool Wierdapark
Durban North College vs Laerskool Dalview
Laerskool JJ van der Merwe vs Laerskool Pionier
Laerskool Muldersdrift vs Onze Rust
Harrismith Primary vs Laerskool Stephanus Roos
Curro Hermanus vs Merchiston Prep
Sentrale Volkskool vs Laerskool Eureka
Laerskool Garsfontein vs Truida Kestell
Laerskool Pietersburg-Oos vs Paarl Gimnasium
Laerskool Krugersdorp-Noord vs Laerskool Vastrap
Willem Postma vs Op die Voorpos
Laerskool Hartenbos vs Laerskool Marble Hall
Aristea vs Laerskool Brits
Kirkwood Primary vs HotRock
Stirling Primary vs Laerskool Orion
Grey Junior vs Laerskool Elarduspark
Laerskool Hermanus vs Laerskool Welgemoed
Charlo Primary vs Westville Senior Primary School
Highbury Prep vs Laerskool Randhart
Laerskool Seodin vs Laerskool Fairland
Laerskool van Van Rheede vs Laerskool Mooirivier
Laerskool Eikestad vs Durban Prep
Laerskool Durbanville vs Laerskool Bastion
Laerskool Magalieskruin vs Bellpark Primary
Prieska vs Louw Geldenhuys
Laerskool Nelspruit vs Laerskool Riebeeckstad
Koppie Alleen vs Laerskool Menlopark
Laerskool Outeniqua vs Laerskool Tzaneen
Laerskool Louis Leipoldt vs Laerskool Stellenbosch
Worcester Primêr vs Hugenote Primary
Uplands Prep vs Laerskool Kruinsig
Grey Primêr vs Laerskool Pietersburg
Glenwood Prep vs Laerskool Olienpark
Selborne Primary vs Van Riebeeckpark
Laerskool Skuilkrans vs Laerskool Knysna
Laerskool Goedehoop vs Curro Nelspruit
Laerskool Voorwaarts vs Laerskool De Aar
Laerskool Kroonheuwel vs Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord
Laerskool Voorpos vs Laerskool Park
Noordskool Sasolburg vs Laerskool Verkenner
Fichardtpark Primêr vs Laerskool Riebeek-Kasteel
Laerskool Fauna vs Laerskool Hendrik Louw
Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk vs Laerskool Kenmare
Laerskool Universitas vs Laerskool Frikkie Meyer
Laerskool Handhaaf vs Laerskool Eugene Marais
Dale Primary vs Noorderlig Benoni
Douglas vs Fonteine
Laerskool Mikro vs Laerskool Monumentpark
Laerskool Gericke vs Laerskool Tuine
Laerskool Gene Louw vs Laerskool Middelburg
Klein Boishaai vs Jordania
[powr-comments id=”17c18c2c_1605767188229″]
The Blue Bulls turned the tide by 48-33 against the Golden Lions in the final of the SA Rugby u21 Championship at Ellispark in Johannesburg to be crowned champions. The Lions started the final as the favourites after they defeated the Bulls by 26-17 in their league match earlier in the season.
It was an exciting match of rugby that produced no less than 81 points. The home side led 19-17 at the break and a try by winger Prince Nkabinde converted by Luke Rossouw (flyhalf) saw the Lions extend their lead to 26-17.
The Bulls secured the victory by scoring twice in the last four minutes of the final through Dawid Kellerman (replacement centre) and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop). Kellerman scored after snatching a loose ball after a bone-crunching tackle by Stravino Jacobs (winger) on a Lions player. Jacobs himself completed a brace of tries in the victory.
The Bulls’ defence was not as solid as their coach Hayden Groepes would’ve liked for a final, but it was the effort by blindside flanker, Hendri du Toit, who turned the tide on the Lions. Dut Toit outperformed his highly-rated opponent, Mark Snyman, at the breakdown and secured more than a couple of vital turnovers.
Jacobs’ wing partner, Sebastiaan Jobb, also had a good game as he put his body on the line securing a couple of turnovers himself as well as putting hooker, Janco Uys, away for an important score. The power of the Bulls’ replacement props, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Nolan Pienaar, also ensured that they had more than enough left in the tank to put the Lions away.
Bulls’ captain, Kudzwai Dube (prop), will be drinking out of the u21-trophy for the second year in a row as his team defended their title. Jobb, Keagan Johannes (replacement scrumhalf), and Richard Kriel (fullback) were all part of the Bulls side that was crowned champions of the u21 Championship in Bloemfontein last year.
It was also the second year on the trot that Paul Mente officiated the final of the competition.
PHOTO: Frans Lombard/Lions Rugby co.
Scorers:
Blue Bulls 48 (17) – Tries: Stravino Jacobs (2), Bernard van der Linde, Keagan Johannes, Janco Uys, Dawid Kellerman, Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Conversions: David Coetzer (3), Richard Kriel (2). Penalty: Kriel. Golden Lions 33 (19) – Tries: Cal Smid, Sibusiso Sangweni, Francke Horn, Prince Nkabinde, Darnell Osowagu. Conversions: Luke Rossouw (4).
The teams were:
Blue Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel (Grey College), 14 Stravino Jacobs (Paarl Gimnasium), 13 Diego Appollis (Garsfontein), 12 Jay-Cee Nel (Oakdale Landbou), 11 Sebastiaan Jobb (Duineveld), 10 David Coetzer (Selborne College), 9 Bernard van der Linde (Menlopark), 8 Divan Venter (Menlopark), 7 Keenan Opperman (Montagu), 6 Hendri du Toit (Nico Malan), 5 Janko Swanepoel (Stellenberg), 4 Jordan van Dyk (Garsfontein), 3 Eduan Swart (Oos-Moot), 2 Janco Uys (Affies), 1 Kudzwai Dube (Muir College – captain). Replacements: 16 Keano Hendricks (Oakdale Landbou), 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Grey College), 18 Nolan Pienaar (Menlopark), 19 Uzile Tele (Hudson Park), 20 WJ Steenkamp (Grey College), 21 Keagan Johannes (Garsfontein), 22 Ruben Beytell (EG Jansen), 23 Dawid Kellerman (Paarl Gimnasium).
Golden Lions: 15 Shaun Baxter (HTS Drostdy), 14 Prince Nkabinde (Hoogenhout), 13 James Mollentze (Outeniqua), 12 Luke Rossouw (Monument), 11 Ngia Selengbe (King Edward VII), 10 Marc Morrison (King Edward VII), 9 Runaldo Pedro (Grey High School), 8 Francke Horn (Paarl Boys’ High – captain), 7 Sibusiso Sangweni (Kearsney College), 6 Mark Snyman (Helpmekaar), 5 Cal Smid (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 4 Emmanuel Tshituka (Northcliff), 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (St Stithians College), 2 Dameon Venter (Helpmekaar), 1 Nkosikhona Masuku (Parktown Boys’ High). Replacements: 16 Darnell Osowagu (Parktown Boys’ High), 17 Banele Mthenjane (Nelspruit), 18 Ebot Buma (Fourways High), 19 Junior White (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 20 Mandisi Mthinyane (Durban High School), 21 Hlumelo Ndudula (Hudson Park), 22 Jordan Hendrikse (Glenwood), 23 Boitumelo Tsatsane (Jeppe High School for Boys’).
Referee: Paul Mente.
The 2021 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival takes place in Kearsney’s centenary year and schools with which Kearsney College has enjoyed long relationships and friendly rivalries over many decades have been invited to this special edition of the festival.
Participating schools and the fixtures were announced today, with three schools invited for the first time to celebrate the milestone – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands schools Michaelhouse and Hilton College and fellow Methodist school Kingswood College from Makhanda (Grahamstown).
Together with Kearsney’s traditional KZN rivals Maritzburg College and Glenwood High School, they will be joined by the perennially strong Eastern Cape outfits of Selborne College (East London), Dale College (King Williams Town), and Hoërskool Framesby (Port Elizabeth), as well as Hoërskool Noord-Kaap (Kimberley), Hoërskool Dr. EG Jansen (Boksburg in Gauteng) and Pretoria Boys High.
The five KZN teams are expected to add a great sense of local celebration to the festival, whilst also increasing the number of participating high schools to 12.
Traditionally the three play days of the festival, held over the Easter long weekend, attract strong teams from across the country, offering an exciting mix of playing styles – and 2021 promises to be no different.
Selborne College will undoubtedly play the special brand of rugby which they have displayed each year since the inaugural 2008 edition of Kearsney’s festival. Regular participants Glenwood and EG Jansen have both played at 10 previous festivals.
Hosts Kearsney will open the festival playing against the habitually strong Hoërskool Noord-Kaap. The lunchtime game between Hoërskool Framesby and Dr. EG Jansen should provide a tough tussle, together with the later game between Dale and local newcomers Hilton.
Hilton will play festival regulars Dr. EG Jansen on the second day, with Glenwood facing Selborne College on day two and Hoërskool Framesby on the third day, who in turn will play Maritzburg College in their second clash. Selborne, up against Glenwood on day two, promises to be a thrilling game and is sure to attract much crowd interest. The final game of the festival will see Kearsney play against the Eastern Cape’s Kingswood College.
Three primary school teams, which will play the KZN Ibutho-Mark Godfrey u13 development team as the curtain-raiser each day, are still to be confirmed.
Kearsney College headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg said: “We are delighted that schools, both independent and state, drawn from across the country, have accepted the invitation to celebrate Kearsney’s centenary year with us at this festival.
“The different styles of play that characterise each participating school will ensure that every fixture is set up to produce thrilling contests in the finest traditions of schoolboy rugby.”
Considered to be one of the most prestigious and well-organised schools’ rugby festivals in South Africa, played in the most beautiful environment, the festival sees teams travel with families and supporters to enjoy top schoolboy rugby in a family-friendly festival atmosphere on Kearsney’s exquisite campus, whilst enjoying the province’s glorious Easter weather.
This year’s festival was cancelled three weeks before kick-off, due to the country’s unfolding coronavirus pandemic.
Preparations are now well underway to ensure the year-long programme marking Kearsney’s Centenary is commemorated in style.
Special events include a 24-hour inter-house sports challenge, a relay marathon reading of the New Testament in the Kearsney Chapel, an outdoor musical proms event featuring old boy musicians and performers, a Centenary Ball, with the year’s celebrations culminating in a 140km Kearsney Epic, a relay run from the chapel at Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill to the chapel at Old Kearsney, near Stanger on the KZN North Coast, where the College started in 1921.
Fixtures for the Kearsney College Easter Rugby Festival of 2021:
Day 1 – Thursday, 1 April 2021
08:30 – u13 – Primary School TBC vs KZN Ibutho-Mark Godfrey
09:30 – Kearsney College vs Hoërskool Noord-Kaap
10:45 – Michaelhouse vs Selborne College
12:00 – Hoërskool Framesby vs Dr. EG Jansen
13:15 – Maritzburg College vs Kingswood College
14:30 – Glenwood High School vs Pretoria Boys High School
15:45 – Hilton College vs Dale College
Day 2 – Saturday, 3 April 2021
08:30 – u13 – Primary School TBC vs KZN Ibutho-Mark Godfrey
09:30 – Hilton College vs Dr. EG Jansen
10:45 – Hoërskool Noord-Kaap vs Pretoria Boys High School
12:00 – Kearsney College vs Dale College
13:15 – Michaelhouse vs Kingswood College
14:30 – Maritzburg College vs Hoërskool Framesby
15:45 – Selborne College vs Glenwood High School
Day 3 – Monday, 5 April 2021
08:30 – u13 – Primary School TBC vs KZN Ibutho-Mark Godfrey
09:30 – Hoërskool Noord-Kaap vs Dale College
10:45 – Michaelhouse vs Pretoria Boys High School
12:00 – Hilton College vs Selborne College
13:15 – Maritzburg College vs Dr. EG Jansen
14:30 – Glenwood High School vs Hoërskool Framesby
15:45 – Kearsney College vs Kingswood College
[powr-comments id=”562d022b_1603961856088″]
There is a strong local flavour as the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions meet each other in the final of the SA Rugby u21 Championship from 14:00 on Friday on Ellispark in Johannesburg. Four schools produced three players each that will participate in the final – of which three schools fall in the catchment area of the Bulls and Lions.
Garsfontein and Menlopark of Pretoria each have three players in the Blue Bulls’ matchday 23, while King Edward VII of Johannesburg has three old-boys that will be playing for the Golden Lions in this encounter. The other school that has three alumni in action in the final are South Africa rugby factory, Grey College of Bloemfontein.
Garsfontein’s three players are Diego Appollis (centre), Jordan van Dyk (lock), and Keagan Johannes (scrumhalf). Parkies’ three players in action will be the dangerous scrumhalf, Bernard van der Linde, No. 8 Divan Venter, and prop Nolan Pienaar.
It is no surprise that King Edward VII has a good representation in the final as their 2017 team led by Travis Gordon was one of the best in their history. Gordon also captained the SA Schools’ side but is sidelined due to injury at the moment. Ngia Selengbe (wing), Marc Morrison (flyhalf) and Lindo Ncusane are the three players from KES in the Golden Lions’ squad.
Grey College will always feature and their three old-boys are Richard Kriel (fullback), WJ Steenkamp (loose forward), and Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop).
Of the Blue Bulls squad of 23 players for the final, a total of eight players received their schooling in the Jacaranda City. In the Lions’ squad of 25 players, there is a total of 13 players who completed their schooling careers in Johannesburg and Krugersdorp.
Another interesting stat derived from the schools that produced the players for the final is the fact that ten players are from schools within the Eastern Cape and Central Region who both were punched in the stomach by SA Rugby by taking away their participation in the European Pro 14 competition.
PHOTO: Frans Lombard/Actionpix
The teams are:
Blue Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel (Grey College), 14 Stravino Jacobs (Paarl Gimnasium), 13 Diego Appollis (Garsfontein), 12 Jay-Cee Nel (Oakdale Landbou), 11 Sebastiaan Jobb (Duineveld), 10 David Coetzer (Selborne College), 9 Bernard van der Linde (Menlopark), 8 Divan Venter (Menlopark), 7 Keenan Opperman (Montagu), 6 Hendri du Toit (Nico Malan), 5 Janko Swanepoel (Stellenberg), 4 Jordan van Dyk (Garsfontein), 3 Eduan Swart (Oos-Moot), 2 Janco Uys (Affies), 1 Kudzwai Dube (Muir College – captain). Replacements: 16 Keano Hendricks (Oakdale Landbou), 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Grey College), 18 Nolan Pienaar (Menlopark), 19 Uzile Tele (Hudson Park), 20 WJ Steenkamp (Grey College), 21 Keagan Johannes (Garsfontein), 22 Ruben Beytell (EG Jansen), 23 Dawid Kellerman (Paarl Gimnasium).
Golden Lions: 15 Shaun Baxter (HTS Drostdy), 14 Prince Nkabinde (Hoogenhout), 13 James Mollentze (Outeniqua), 12 Luke Rossouw (Monument), 11 Ngia Selengbe (King Edward VII), 10 Marc Morrison (King Edward VII), 9 Runaldo Pedro (Grey High School), 8 Francke Horn (Paarl Boys’ High – captain), 7 Sibusiso Sangweni (Kearsney College), 6 Mark Snyman (Helpmekaar), 5 Cal Smid (Rondebosch Boys’ High), 4 Emmanuel Tshituka (Northcliff), 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (St Stithians College), 2 Dameon Venter (Helpmekaar), 1 Nkosikhona Masuku (Parktown Boys’ High). Replacements (from): 16 Darnell Osowagu (Parktown Boys’ High), 17 Banele Mthenjane (Nelspruit), 18 Ebot Buma (Fourways High), 19 Junior White (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 20 Mandisi Mthinyane (Durban High School), 21 Hlumelo Ndudula (Hudson Park), 22 Jordan Hendrikse (Glenwood), 23 Boitumelo Tsatsane (Jeppe High School for Boys’), 24 Quan Horn (Paarl Boys’ High), 25 Lindo Ncusane (King Edward VII).
Referee: Paul Mente.
Kick-Off: 14:00
Schools represented in the SA Rugby u21 Championship Final:
3 – Garsfontein (Diego Appollis, Jordan van Wyk, Keagan Johannes), Menlopark (Bernard van der Linde, Divan Venter, Nolan Pienaar), Grey College (Richard Kriel, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, WJ Steenkamp), King Edward VII (Ngia Selengbe, Marc Morrison, Lindo Ncusane).
2 – Paarl Gimnasium (Stravino Jacobs, Dawid Kellerman), Helpmekaar (Mark Snyman, Dameon Venter), Paarl Boys’ High (Francke Horn, Quan Horn), Parktown Boys’ High (Nkosikhona Masuku, Darnell Osowagu), Jeppe High School for Boys’ (Junior White, Boitumelo Tsatsane), Hudson Park (Uzile Tele, Hlumelo Ndudula), Oakdale Landou (Jay-Cee Nel, Keano Hendricks).
1 – Grey High School (Runaldo Pedro), Duineveld (Sebastiaan Jobb), Selborne College (David Coetzer), Montagu (Keenan Opperman), Stellenberg (Janko Swanepoel), Oos-Moot (Eduan Swart), Outeniqua (James Mollentze), Monument (Luke Rossouw), Nico Malan (Hendri du Toit), St Stithians College (Asenathi Ntlabakanye), Affies (Janco Uys), Muir College (Kudzwai Dube), Kearsney College (Sibusiso Sangweni), Durban High School (Mandisi Mthinyane), Glenwood (Jordan Hendrikse) Rondebosch Boys’ High (Cal Smid), EG Jansen (Ruben Beytell), HTS Drostdy (Shaun Baxter), Nelspruit (Banele Mthenjane), Hoogenhout (Prince Nkabinde), Northcliff (Emmanuel Tshituka) Fourways High (Ebot Buma).
[powr-comments id=”b177ac5e_1604041539648″]