There is nothing quite like a good old rugby rivalry.

When the first whistle blows at the various Easter rugby festivals across Johannesburg this season, fans and parents can expect intense physical contests on the field, tempered by mutual respect.

As the saying goes, rugby is a hooligans’ game played by gentlemen.

Schoolboy rugby thrives not only on skill and strategy but also on the deep-rooted rivalries and traditions that drive every match.

This Easter promises an exciting line-up of key fixtures, tactical battles and the return of powerhouse schools, with players openly acknowledging the strength of their worthy rivals.

Also read: Rugby rucks and hockey strikes fire up Jozi fests

St John’s College vs St Stithians: A rivalry rekindled
One of the most eagerly anticipated encounters is the longstanding rivalry between St John’s College and St Stithians College.

Simon Mussett, an 18-year-old lock from St John’s, identifies St Stithians as their biggest rival.

“The match we play against them on our Pink Day is a magnet for crowds, and the level of rugby is always higher when we face them,” he said.

This fixture stands out not only for the intensity on the field but also for the sense of occasion it creates, drawing enthusiastic community support.

From the St Stithians camp, hooker Siphosamandosi Nkosing’phile Cele echoed the sentiment.

“School rugby rivalries are a powerful part of school sport culture. They bring intensity, pride and tradition to every match. I would confidently say that our biggest rugby rival is St John’s College,” he said.

“The rivalry between Saints and St John’s is built on history, competition and mutual respect. Our matches are not just regular fixtures – they form part of an event called Pink Day that brings the community together to watch the beautiful game of rugby.

“Knowing that St John’s is our biggest rival motivates us to train harder, compete stronger and uphold the standard of St Stithians rugby. Rivalries like these are what make schoolboy rugby special.”

@caxton.schools

Rugby fever hits Joburg! 🏉🔥 St John’s College Festival continues today, April 19. First clash: St David’s Marist Inanda leads 8-6 at half vs Golden Lions XV! #CaxtonSchools #EasterFests #EasterSchoolFests #SchoolSportsFest

♬ original sound – Caxton Schools

The value of rivalries in school rugby
Both players agree that rivalries are about more than just competition; they also help develop players and strengthen the sport.

Mussett believes the constant drive to beat a rival pushes players to perform at their best.

“Rivalries and competitiveness bring out the best in players because the desire to beat the opposition is even stronger when a rivalry exists,” he said.

Cele added that rivalries help build character while fostering school pride and tradition, allowing players to represent something greater than themselves.
Importantly, respect and tradition underpin these rivalries, ensuring that fierce competition remains a positive force in school sport culture.

Powerhouse teams to watch
Beyond their own school rivalries, players also recognise other formidable teams that contribute to the excitement of the schoolboy rugby landscape.

Mussett points to Jeppe as a team that consistently showcases determination and unity, making them a powerhouse worth watching.

“I believe Jeppe throughout my school career has been a formidable team who always seem to have a want like no other school to win a game. Watching this determination and unity on the field that they often produce is truly incredible,” Simon added.

Cele identifies Westville, particularly the 2025 squad, which impressed with its consistency, structure, and physicality to achieve an undefeated season. These schools contribute to the high standard and thrilling spectacle of schoolboy rugby.

“The school I recognise is Westville’s squad, which was one of those powerhouse teams that made schoolboy rugby incredibly exciting. Westville’s 2025 team stood out because of its consistency, structure, and physicality throughout the entire rugby season, and being able to obtain an undefeated season after defeating exceptional rugby schools,” he explained.

“I strongly agree that school rivalries are good for the sport and for the players; however, they should be built on respect and tradition. Schoolboy rivalries raise the standard of rugby. For players, rivalries build character. Furthermore, rivalries also build school pride and tradition, having the opportunity to represent something bigger than yourself,” Cele continued.

The school he is most excited about is Wynberg because the last game against Wynberg was in 2022.

“It was in my grade 8 year, and the game this year will be hosted at home during Saints Fest, which heightens the anticipation of a long-awaited rivalry between Saints and Wynberg.”

Legacy of excellence: St John’s alumni in professional rugby
St John’s College boasts a proud legacy of alumni who have excelled at Currie Cup, Varsity Cup and even Springbok level.

Notable names include Owen Nkumane and Mac Masina, both from the class of 1994, who went on to play in top-tier competitions and represent the Springboks or Blitzbokke.

The list also includes international players such as Scott Spedding, who represented France at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and Dean Gordon, who currently plays professionally in Russia.

More recent graduates, including Joel Leotlela and Joshua Boulle, continue to make their mark in professional rugby, highlighting the school’s ongoing contribution to the sport.

Looking ahead
As this Easter rugby season unfolds, traditional rivalries, emerging powerhouse teams and the respect players show for their opponents will continue to enrich the game.

Together, these elements celebrate not only the competitive spirit of schoolboy rugby but also its deep-rooted values and strong sense of community.

Fans can look forward to a season filled with passion, strategy and memorable moments.