Preparations are well in progress for the expanded 2024 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival. The upcoming event is set to feature additional high school teams and, for the first time, a primary schools festival. Recognized as one of the best-organized and prestigious South African schoolboy rugby festivals, it consistently attracts top-ranked rugby-playing schools.
Taking place at Kearsney College in Botha’s Hill from Thursday, March 28, to Monday, April 1, next year’s festival will host 14 high school teams and 10 primary school sides over three days of play. Celebrating its 15th year, the festival will once again be headlined by Standard Bank, a sponsor since 2013.
Representing the host province of KwaZulu-Natal will be Glenwood High School, Durban High School (DHS), Westville Boys’ High School, and Kearsney College. Welcoming three newcomers – Rondebosch Boys’ High from Cape Town, Hoërskool Rustenburg from the North-West, and Hoërskool Brandwag from Benoni – adds fresh excitement.
Returning traditional powerhouse teams from Gauteng include Hoërskool Monument (Krugersdorp) and Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (Boksburg). Worcester Gimnasium from the Western Cape, after a successful debut last year, will showcase their skills again. Eastern Cape regulars Hoërskool Framesby (Gqeberha/ Port Elizabeth), Hoër Landbouskool Marlow (Cradock), and Nico Malan High School (Humansdorp) will also participate.
Adding to the festival’s allure, Kimberley’s Hoërskool Noord-Kaap will bring their exciting running rugby to the event once again.
Recognizing the invaluable role of schoolboy rugby in South Africa’s rugby culture, Kearsney is excited to launch a primary schools festival in 2024, running concurrently with the high schools’ festival. The presence of younger players is expected to enhance the overall excitement and family-friendly atmosphere of the event.
Patrick Lees, headmaster of Kearsney, expressed his delight in the festival’s growth, particularly with the addition of a primary schools’ section.
“We eagerly anticipate some thrilling schoolboy rugby, camaraderie and family fun. It promises to be an event not to be missed,” he said.