Respected Rugby World Cup referee Craig Joubert, who will referee at the festival, said he was astounded at the passion and standard of schoolboy rugby in SA, and it was “a privilege” to be part of it.
The festival has some of the best SA schools competing, he said, and for him it is always “a great thrill” to referee schoolboy games, as he had grown up recognising the importance of schools rugby.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 5 with hosts Kearsney playing Selborne College from East London. Later in the day Westville face Dale College from King William’s Town and Glenwood play Monument from Krugersdorp.
Saturday’s first game is the anticipated clash between Monument and Paul Roos from Stellenbosch. After lunch Affies play Paarl Gymnasium, Selborne play EG Jansen from Boksburg and Kearsney face Queen’s College.
On Easter Monday exciting play is expected from the clashes between Selborne and Paarl Gym, Kearsney and Affies as well as Grey College and Monument.
There will be six matches daily, with a prep schools game during each lunch break.
An incentive for three players is the opportunity to win a contract with the Sharks Academy and tuition bursary with Varsity College, which will be awarded at the end of the festival on Easter Monday, April 9.