Laerskool Kruinsig wins six Valke Ekurhuleni Super League rugby titles

On June 18, Laerskool Kruinsig rugby achieved one of its greatest milestones at Hoërskool Die Anker, with six teams competing in the Valke Ekurhuleni Super League and all securing league titles in their respective age groups.

The league comprised approximately 30 schools and was divided into different sections. Kruinsig competed in the Super League, the premier division featuring eight highly competitive schools. The competition ran throughout the school rugby season.

One of the season’s highlights for Kruinsig was the Kempton Park derby against Laerskool Impala.

Kruinsig won seven of the nine matches played, with defeats only in the U9 B and U11 B fixtures.

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The school was particularly proud of winning every match played on the A-field, highlighting the depth and quality across its age groups.

The first-team fixture was unfortunately stopped with around 20 minutes remaining, when the score stood at 49-0.

“Another memorable moment was the first team’s final home game against Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck. It was a special occasion for the players, coaches, parents and supporters.

“Both teams produced an exciting display of attacking rugby, and the crowd was treated to a try festival. Kruinsig ended the match with an impressive 66–33 victory,” said Laerskool Kruinsig educator Faan du Preez.

Du Preez said a key factor in the school’s success was the strength and commitment of the coaching staff, who are aligned in their goals, standards and approach to player development.

He also highlighted strong parental support, with parents trusting the structures in place at the school.

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Another important contributor is Kruinsig’s focus on developing players from a young age, with a strong emphasis on skill development, rugby understanding, and confidence, to ensure players are well prepared for match days.

“The Super League is a very competitive league, with eight strong schools all competing for the title. Kruinsig has been fortunate to wear that crown for many years, which means every opponent is highly motivated when they face us. For many schools, beating Kruinsig is a major achievement, so we know that every match will be a tough contest.

“The finals, in particular, were closely contested and served as a great test of our boys’ character. Those matches challenged our players not only physically, but also mentally, and we were proud of the way they responded under pressure,” Du Preez added.

He said the season’s success was a collective effort, with the school believing it has the right people in the right positions, from the coaching staff to players and parents.

Strong parental support also allows players and coaches to focus fully on rugby.

At Kruinsig, this philosophy is guided by the “Kruinie-DNA”, which defines behaviour on and off the field. It encourages parents to support with pride and respect, players to win with grace, and to accept defeat with dignity.

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The school emphasises humility, noting that while winning is an achievement, the challenge lies in sustaining success and continuing to build for future seasons.

“Winning six league titles in one season is a tremendous achievement for Laerskool Kruinsig and a proud moment for our entire school community. It reinforces Kruinsig’s reputation as a school with a strong rugby culture and a proven development pathway for young players.

“It is also a powerful reflection of what the school offers. Parents know that if their son is serious about rugby and wants the best possible foundation to excel at high school level, Laerskool Kruinsig provides an excellent environment for that growth,”

Kruinsig currently has 10 old boys representing the Valke, Lions and Bulls at Grant Khomo Week, Academy Week and Craven Week. Some former players have also signed professional contracts with the Lions and clubs in Japan.

The school’s ongoing goal is to continue building on this foundation and increase the number of players progressing to higher levels.
Super League winners:
• U9 A-Team
• U10 A-Team
• U10 B-Team
• 3rd team
• 2nd team
• 1st team