Easter rugby festival tips for stress-free experience
Johannesburg’s top schools are set to deliver a rugby spectacle like no other, as King Edward VII School, St John’s College, and St Stithians College host their highly anticipated annual festivals, promising thrilling matches, great food, and a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere.
Johannesburg sports fans are in for a treat this Easter as three of the city’s top schools – King Edward VII School, St John’s College, and St Stithians College – gear up for their highly anticipated annual rugby festivals.
Packed with fast-paced action, family-friendly entertainment, and a buzzing atmosphere, these events promise to be the ultimate highlight of the school sports calendar.
King Edward VII School
King Edward VII School (KES) will set the stage for an electrifying weekend on April 19 and 21 with their annual Easter Rugby and Hockey Festival. Families from across Jozi will gather to witness the best in schoolboy rugby and hockey, as top teams battle it out on the field.
To ensure a stress-free experience, spectators are reminded that outside food and beverages are not permitted, so be sure to take full advantage of the delicious options available at the festival. Bring foldable chairs, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to stay comfortable in the autumn sun, and most importantly – stay hydrated.
The event is cashless, so don’t forget to bring your card for seamless transactions.
St John’s College
Celebrating 28 years of schoolboy rugby excellence, the St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival – proudly sponsored by Standard Bank – will take place on April 17, 19 and 21.
The festival promises a thrilling showcase of talent, with top school teams clashing in an electrifying contest on Burger Field and C Rugby Field.
For those seeking a premium experience, the VIP Viewing Deck offers unparalleled views of the action, a fully serviced bar, gourmet food, and private lounge areas.
Families can also enjoy a relaxed day out at the St John’s Pre-Prep Tea Garden, food trucks, and the lively Beer Village.
All matches will be live-streamed via the SuperSport Schools app, ensuring that supporters who can’t attend in person won’t miss a moment of the action.
General access tickets are available via Webtickets, with free entry for children under six and those in full school uniform. Parking is R15, and disabled parking is available for guests who require assistance.
St Stithians College
St Stithians College will round off the Easter rugby excitement with its SportsFest 2025, taking place on April 16, 17, 19, and 21.
This action-packed event extends beyond the rugby field, offering a diverse range of sporting codes, entertainment, and a vibrant hospitality area at Dlamini Oval.
A mouth-watering selection of food vendors – including Amici’s Pizza, Spur, Swirl Ice-Cream, and many more – will keep visitors fuelled throughout the festival.
Adding to the excitement, the Saints Campus Fun Run on Monday, April 21, invites attendees to enjoy a scenic 2.5km or 5km route through the beautiful campus, with post-race treats sponsored by Standard Bank, Krispy Kreme, and Seattle Coffee.
As with the other festivals, Saints SportsFest 2025 is entirely cashless, with multiple payment options available, including debit/credit cards, SnapScan, and Karri cards.
Tips for a stress-free festival experience
To make the most of these incredible rugby festivals, keep these tips in mind:
· Arrive early – Beat the traffic and find the best viewing spots.
· Dress comfortably – Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
· Stay hydrated – Bring a refillable water bottle to keep cool.
· Go cashless – All three events only accept card or digital payments.
· Follow the rules – No outside food or drinks, and adhere to security guidelines.
Whether you’re a passionate rugby fan or just looking for a fantastic family outing, these Easter rugby festivals offer the perfect mix of sports, entertainment, and community spirit.
Get ready for a thrilling weekend of schoolboy rugby at its finest.
