Thrills, tries and team spirit: Easter weekend belongs to schoolboy rugby
A thrilling showcase of school pride, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments unfolded as South Africa’s top young athletes clashed in the country’s premier Easter weekend sports festival.
Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Rugby supporters at the St John's Festival. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
As the echoes of cheering crowds faded and the final whistle sounded, Johannesburg schools are still basking in the afterglow of one of the most electrifying weekends in the schoolboy rugby calendar.
From April 17 to 21, the Easter Rugby Festival returned spectacularly, hosted with pride and precision by KES, St John’s College, and St Stithians.
For four adrenaline-fuelled days, pitches became battlegrounds, school colours flew high, and rivalries old and new were rekindled with spirited passion. It wasn’t just rugby that took centre stage – hockey and other sports added to the vibrant festival atmosphere, turning each host school into a buzzing hive of athletic energy and youthful enthusiasm.
Invited teams from across the country converged in Joburg, bringing with them not only skill and strategy but centuries of school pride. The sidelines were a canvas of house colours and school anthems, as learners, parents, and alumni cheered with unwavering zeal, their voices rising like war cries into the crisp autumn air.
Kim Palmer, Heather Macquisten and Tammy Wolhuter. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
From the West Rand, Cayleigh Riem and Aurryn Gaertz. Photo: Waydon Jacobs
Parktown Boys learners, Adam and Benjamin Maule. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Zinzile Dube and Khumo Maciel. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
Each match was a nail-biting affair. The rugby on display was nothing short of sensational, from lightning-quick counterattacks to bone-jarring tackles. And it wasn’t just about the scoreboard – it was about heart. Every team played as though defending their honour, and in doing so, gave their supporters reason to roar.
“It’s more than just a game,” said Thuli Maubana, a KES supporter, face painted crimson and white. “It’s legacy. It’s family. It’s who we are.”
The camaraderie extended beyond the pitch. Whether it was a shared laugh over a boerewors roll or a quiet moment between matches, the festival spirit united players and fans in a celebration of sport, school, and community.
For many, it was the perfect Easter weekend, a fusion of high-octane sport and heartfelt tradition. As Monday rolled around and the crowds dispersed, one thing was certain: the Easter Rugby Festival had once again lived up to its name – and then some.
Nico and Elsabe Jan van Burghl. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Dineo Mogoru and Elois Ntangu. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
Letlotlo Ramotsoea, and Leano, Lehump and Tshepiso Choma. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
Oyama Bacela, Lutendo Tshipala, Tahilah Ngumbela, and Lesedi de Klerk. Photo: Neo Phashe
Latita Matshayana, Amila Hangana, and Nomfundo Mbonane. Photo: Neo Phashe
Noluthando Ngwebya. Photo: Neo Phashe
Zama Zuma with Siphiwe Godo. Photo: Waydon Jacobs
Jani Schmidt at St John's College. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
Caleb Paul-Hagens and Cameron Biart. Photo: Neo Phashe
Michael Hogan, Matthew Seed, and Elsa Kruger. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Abby and Charly-Rose Boyall. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Khanyisile Mahlangu with Sello Kale. Phtoo: Waydon Jacobs
Hana-Tay Alexander with Georgina Dominguez. Photo: Neo Phashe
St John's fans. Photo: Asanda Matlhare
Sean-Michael Strydom and Eve Mckay. Photo: Waydon Jacobs
Des Iliadis, Lily Bradley, and Stephanie Hadjidemetriou. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Joshua Anderson, Mohapi Masia and Joshua Jung from Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge High. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Lincllon and Luther Baatjies. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
The Eccleston family enjoy the good food and sports at St Sthitians. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Saints parents, Liesl Hefkie with Unathi Jonas. Photo: Waydon Jacobs
Sarah Rubes with Teagan Spies. Photo: Neo Phashe
Thuli Maubana. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Werner and Aitie van Schalkwyk support Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge netball team. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Kgothatso Rammutla with Bokamoso Mooketsi. Photo: Neo Phashe
Caitlin Wilson and Bontle Mokwena from Edenvale High School visit St Stithians to enjoy the various sports. Photo:Nkazimulo Ncube
Emma Wright, Connor Thomas, and Keira Retief. Photo: Neo Phashe
Gabriella Cascaes and Jorja Sham. Photo: Neo Phashe
Ella de Goede, Vongai Mhurio, and Limpo Mbata. Photo: Neo Phashe
Ngceboyethu Buthelezi, Relebohile Hliso, Kuhlekwethu and Mlandowethu Buthelezi. Photo: Waydon Jacobs
Mila and Greg Bitter. Photo: Neo Phashe
Leah Naiker, Mandisa Ngobeni and Venetia Campher. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Paulette Comninos and Maria Yiallouris. Photo: Neo Phashe
Olivia Nel, Olivia Blues, Kayleigh Neat, and Lana Potter. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Sharmin and François Kariko. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Kwakhanya Mandlendoda, Lihlilanga Solani, Sanele Patshwa and Samkele Guma. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe
Thabiso Mamakoko, Remofilwe Mamakoko, and Nunu Masina. Photo: Neo Phashe
Rea Sekati and Lebo Sebatjaneare. Photo:Asanda Matlhare
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