Showdown between SA’s top rugby-playing schools

NOW in its seventh year, the 2014 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival is certain to attract capacity crowds, with a line up of some of SA’s top rugby-playing schools.

All 12 participating schools are renowned for their rugby pedigree and were widely regarded as being among the top teams in the country at the end of last season. Their participation reinforces the prestigious status of the Kearsney College festival.

Speaking at last week’s launch of the 2014 Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, Kearsney headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg said the festival had grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2008.

This year participating teams are Grey College (Bloemfontein), Affies (Pretoria), Monument (Krugersdorp), EG Jansen (Boksburg), HTS Middelburg (Middelburg), Framesby High (Port Elizabeth), Nico Malan (Humansdorp), Selborne College (East London), Dale College (King William’s Town), with Glenwood, Westville Boys’ High School and Kearsney College from host province KZN.

Six fixtures will be held on each of the three play days and the festival is sure to provide exciting, highly entertaining play.

The Sharks CEO, John Smit, said this event gives youngsters an ideal platform to display their talent and ability. Talent scouts from The Sharks and Sharks Academy would be watching during the three play days, scheduled over the Easter weekend for Thursday 17, Saturday 19 and Monday 21 April. Some of SA’s finest rugby talent will be on display at Kearsney over the festival and the event provides opportunities for youngsters to be noticed and advance their rugby careers at provincial and national level.

Etienne Fynn, CEO of the Sharks Academy, said more than 100 players identified at Kearsney festivals since 2008 had joined the Sharks family; and the calibre of both individual and team play throughout the years had brought great pleasure to all observers.

The Sharks Academy will offer full bursaries for 2015 to three selected players. Backed by The Sharks, arguably the most professional rugby union in SA, the bursaries will include a contract with the Sharks Academy, accommodation and a tuition bursary with one of its reputable education partners.

Van den Aardweg acknowledged the festival sponsors – Standard Bank, which last year became a headline sponsor in a four-year agreement, the Sharks and Sharks Academy, Illovo Sugar South Africa Limited as well as Nashua Durban and several other partners and companies.

A match between three primary school teams and the KZN U13 provincial development team, invited to showcase their skills and to enjoy the opportunity of playing in front of large crowds, will kick off each day’s action.