The curtain has closed on the 28th St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival, brought to you by Standard Bank, after a thrilling weekend showcasing the best in schoolboy rugby, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
With more than 40 schools from across South Africa, this year’s Festival introduced a fresh twist to the format as U16s made their debut on Burger Field on Monday, complementing the traditional U19 and U13 fixtures. There are no league tables, trophies, or medals at the Easter Rugby Festival — it is all about the love of rugby, school spirit, and community.
“We are proud to once again host this prestigious celebration of schoolboy rugby, where skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie take centre stage,” said Mr Stuart West, Executive Headmaster of St John’s College.
In the U19 age group, we welcomed strong showings from Bethlehem Voortrekker Hoërskool and Welkom-Gimnasium from the Free State; Graeme College and Kingswood College from the Eastern Cape; Hilton College and Maritzburg College from KwaZulu-Natal; Hoërskool Diamantveld from the Northern Cape; Hoërskool Nelspruit from Mpumalanga; SACS from the Western Cape; and Steiner Pest Golden Lions Invitational XV, Hoërskool Randburg, Pretoria Boys High School, St David’s Marist Inanda, and our very own St John’s College from Gauteng.
The exciting addition of U16 teams on Monday brought Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Noordheuwel, King Edward VII School, Northcliff High School, Pretoria Boys High School, Steiner Pest Golden Lions Invitational XV, and St John’s College — all representing Gauteng. These rising stars added intensity, skill, and a new dimension to the Festival as they competed on Burger Field.
The U13 fixtures delivered their own magic, offering younger players the chance to test their skills and build confidence on the big stage. Representing KwaZulu-Natal were Clifton School Durban, Clifton Nottingham Road, and Cordwalles Preparatory School for Boys. From Mpumalanga, Middelburg Primary School impressed, while Gauteng was well represented by Jan Celliers Laerskool en Preprimêr, Pridwin Preparatory, St Benedict’s Preparatory, St David’s Marist Inanda Preparatory, St John’s Preparatory, St Peter’s Boys Prep School, St Stithians Boys’ Preparatory, The Ridge School, WHPS, and Yeoville Boys’ Primary.
Over three festive days, thousands of supporters streamed through the gates to cheer on their teams and soak up the festival atmosphere.
“It’s an opportunity to experience the thrill of playing on a big stage and to be inspired by the older players who have paved the way,” said Lester Lalla, Headmaster of St John’s Preparatory. “We are so proud of their energy, enthusiasm, and growth.”
Standard Bank, headline sponsor since 2012, continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the event. “At Standard Bank, we believe that everyone, every individual and every business, has the potential and desire to grow,” said Tshiamo Molanda, Head of Youth and Mass Market, Standard Bank South Africa. “That’s why we are committed to supporting youth development through sport and education, both of which help shape resilient, well-rounded individuals. Our long-standing partnership with St John’s College reflects this shared purpose.”
A lively mix of attractions added to the excitement of the weekend beyond the game. A big thank you to Tom Campher Volvo for joining the Festival this year with their exciting display of award-winning vehicles, including the all-electric EX90 Ultra.
SuperSport Schools live-streamed the matches to fans, friends, and families at home, allowing supporters worldwide to be part of the action. We were also thrilled to welcome Hot 102.7FM, broadcasting their Breakfast Show and Rob Vega Show live from the Festival on Thursday morning, and to WeBuyCars for helping usher in the Thursday Night Lights matchups—always a crowd favourite. We also extend our thanks to TradeNation, who kitted out the U13 teams, coaches, and staff.
No Easter Rugby Festival would be complete without the variety of gourmet food trucks, Pre-Prep Brunch Spot, Beer Village, and VIP Viewing Deck. There was certainly plenty for fans and families to enjoy between matches. Thanks to our vendors and suppliers for bringing extra energy and flavour to the grounds.
As the final whistle sounds and the grandstands go quiet, we thank all the participating schools, coaches, referees, and supporters for making the 28th Easter Rugby Festival a memorable one. We salute Mr Gavin Houlston and the Festival Organising Committee, our sports masters, medical teams, and the boarding, catering, estate, and media and marketing staff for their hard work and commitment over the Easter weekend.
We look forward to welcoming you back next year for another unforgettable weekend celebrating the best in schoolboy rugby.