SPECTATORS at this year’s Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) can expect an exciting line-up that will offer a glimpse into the school rugby styles of international teams from Ireland and Italy.

Twenty-eight teams, including visitors from Europe and Zimbabwe will participate at this year’s festival, regarded as one of the country’s most entertaining and successful school rugby events.

In its 17th year, this festival promises top-level schoolboy rugby, while offering spectators a glimpse into the school rugby styles of Ireland and Italy, adding an international dimension to the Easter weekend spectacle.

Teams from the Catholic University School (Dublin, Ireland), Verona Rugby (Northern Italy) and Peterhouse Boys’ School (Zimbabwe), will be joined by four KZN schools in the senior boys’ division – Durban High School (DHS), Westville Boys’ High, Glenwood High and hosts Kearsney College.

Included in this year’s line-up are Gauteng teams Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (Boksburg) and newcomers Helpmekaar College (Braamfontein), Hoërskool Rustenburg (North West), the Eastern Cape’s Hoërskool Framesby (Gqeberha), and Milnerton High School (Cape Town).

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The three play days over Easter weekend are Thursday, April 2; Saturday, April 4 and Monday, April 6.

Confirming this year’s participating teams, Kearsney headmaster Patrick Lees said the success of the festival, which last year included three divisions for the first time, highlighted its invaluable role in the development of the country’s school rugby culture and growth since Kearsney’s inaugural festival in 2008.

He acknowledged the contribution of festival sponsors, whose support has assisted the event to grow each year.

Headline sponsor Standard Bank South Africa said their sponsorship of the festival highlighted their desire to support youth development.

“We recognise the powerful role that sport and education play in building character, confidence and unity. Through platforms like this festival, we are not only nurturing athletes, we are shaping responsible, resilient and inspired leaders for tomorrow,” said Tshiamo Molanda, head of the youth and mass market at Standard Bank’s personal and private banking division.

Carrie-Ann van Heerden, dealer principal at first tier sponsor Halfway Ford Waterfall, said they were looking forward to another unforgettable KERF weekend, where families, friends and rugby enthusiasts can celebrate the game.

Building on the success of the initiative at last year’s festival, four U16 girls’ teams will play during lunchtime slots. Twelve primary school teams will also enjoy the excitement of playing festival rugby in front of large crowds.

Adding to the ambience, there will be a KidZone for the little ones, ample parking, and food outlets and a refreshment tent to ensure spectators can enjoy the weekend’s sporting entertainment.

The games will also be live-streamed on the SuperSport Schools app. Additional festival information, results, match reports and action photographs will be available on www.kearsney.com during the festival.

Tickets can be purchased at quicket.co.za.

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