Get ready, school sport fans! The world’s premier school sport showdown is just around the corner—it’s time for the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival 2024! From December 14th to 22nd, some of the best schools will converge at the Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub to battle it out for the prestigious title of rugby champions. This year marks the festival’s fifth anniversary, and with eight elite teams split into two fiercely competitive pools, you can expect non-stop action and unforgettable moments!
The Pools: Who’s Ready to Compete?
This year’s tournament features two pools of four teams, each one eager to claim glory: Pool A:
- Paul Roos Gymnasium (SA): A powerhouse in South African school rugby, consistently producing Springbok stars. Finishing up as the No.1 ranked school in South Africa in 2024.
- Westlake Boys’ High School (NZ): Fresh off a top four finish in New Zealand, they’re hungry to prove their mettle after a strong end to their season.
- Harrow School (ENG): The defending English Cup champions, known for their resilience and rich rugby history, are aiming for their first title here.
- Llandovery College (WAL): Welsh rugby champions bringing their fiery passion to the global stage in their debut season.
Pool B:
- Kelston Boys’ High School (NZ): Another fierce Kiwi competitor, having secured a top four finish in the national league and determined to show why they’re among the best.
- Millfield School (ENG): Three-time English Schools champions who know how to win. Fresh from a 33-10 drubbing of rivals Sedbergh they arrive at the World Schools Festival the form team and will be looking to dominate the tournament.
- EG Jansen (SA): A South African favourite known for their skill and strength, coming off a stellar season with significant improvements. After a slow start in their season they finished strongly and will bring a power pack to the party.
- Zimbabwe Steelers (ZIM): The crème de la crème of Zimbabwean rugby talent, here not just to compete but to win!
A Festival with a Proud History
Since its inception in 2018 at Paarl Boys’ High School in South Africa, the World Schools Festival has captivated rugby fans worldwide. By 2019, it had grown even bigger at Paul Roos Gymnasium, attracting over 1.39 million viewers. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, it returned in 2022 with a fresh format that paid off spectacularly boasting an astonishing 25 million views! Last year broke records yet again by adding girls’ rugby and more matches, achieving a whopping 49 million views and 3.5 million online interactions.
Who Will Claim the Crown?
The competition is wide open! Will Paul Roos Gymnasium and EG Jansen make South Africa proud? Both teams had stellar seasons in 2024—can they carry that momentum into this tournament? Can New Zealand’s Kelston and Westlake continue their winning streak? More importantly, can Westlake defend their crown? Or will England’s Millfield and Harrow dominate? And let’s not forget the underdogs—Llandovery and Zimbabwe Steelers—who could surprise us all!
A Global Celebration of Sport
The Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival isn’t just about rugby; it’s also a celebration of cricket and netball! 50 teams across 4 sports, 800 players from 12 countries – it’s going to be an amazing celebration of youth sport. A truly global event, in a truly global city!
This event showcases young athletes and global talent while highlighting the unifying power of sports. Millions of fans from around the world will tune in to cheer for their teams as we witness history unfold. The 2024 edition promises to deliver thrilling school sport content for everyone. So mark your calendars! The countdown to December 14th has begun, and the Abu Dhabi World Schools Festival 2024 is set to be an extraordinary event you won’t want to miss. Stay connected for live updates, player highlights, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make this event so special. Let the games begin!
