SA to host global school rugby showcase
Top local and overseas schools will compete at the inaugural rugby festival in April.
One of the most exciting development rugby tournaments ever to be launched in South Africa will be held for the first time this year when the inaugural World Schools Festival takes place in Paarl from April 2 to 7.
The international event, which will feature 10 of the best school teams in South Africa and 10 of the best from around the world, will be hosted by Paarl Boys’ High School as part of the institution’s 150-year anniversary celebrations.
Aside from showcasing the global rugby stars of the future, some of the world’s best coaches will also be invited to the tournament to work with the youngsters and local coaches, in order to drive development by raising domestic standards across the board.
Fulfilling a dream by providing a platform for local talent to face the best schools from around the world on home soil, Carinat Sports Marketing MD Heyneke Meyer believes the event will offer all participants a life-changing opportunity.
“I’ve always coached rugby because I believe in making a difference in people’s lives, and I truly believe this event can do that,” said Meyer, a renowned coach who has mentored the Springboks and the Bulls.
“Rugby is not only about competing hard on the field, but also making friendships for life off the field, so this tournament will give something back to the game by making a difference and developing rugby in South Africa. I’m really excited about it and really looking forward to some great games. It’s a tremendous new project for Carinat in South Africa and we are looking forward to building the festival over the coming years.”
Aside from the hosts, local participating schools will be Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, Boland Landbou, Glenwood, Monument, Grey College, Outeniqua, Oakdale, Paarl Gymnasium and Hilton College.
The overseas schools taking part will be announced closer to the event.
Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has thrown his weight behind the tournament.
“Schoolboy rugby is popular across South Africa and around the world, and an event of this magnitude will not only give the players a crucial opportunity to grow and expand on their skills by facing elite competition, but it also gives fans a chance to watch these young players in action,” de Villiers said.
“By developing the game at school level, we will see that success flowing into the senior game, and hopefully more international contests like this will be launched in order to contribute towards the promotion of the sport.”
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