The 2026 edition of the Danie Rossouw Rugby Week, hosted at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, has officially concluded, further cementing its status as one of South Africa’s premier developmental platforms for schoolboy rugby.

Marking its 15th anniversary, this year’s tournament brought together a massive influx of talent, showcasing the grit and passion that defines the sport’s future stars.

It was held from March 28 to April 1.

A milestone celebration of growth

Named after the legendary Springbok and Hoërskool Rob Ferreira alumnus, Danie Rossouw, the tournament has evolved significantly over the last decade and a half. What began as a local initiative now serves as a critical bridge for athletes to test their skills in a professional-tier competitive environment.
This year’s statistics reflect the sheer scale of the event:
• 24 schools from across the country.
• 62 teams competing across multiple age groups.
• 4 fields in constant use to accommodate the dense fixture list.
• 484 tries scored and 336 tries converted throughout the week.Opening matches and key results

The week was officially opened by the legendary Jimmy Stonehouse, setting a high-octane tone for the proceedings.

In the headline match, the host’s first team, Hoërskool Rob Ferreira, faced off against Hoërskool Wonderboom. In a tightly contested power struggle, Wonderboom emerged victorious with a 19-15 win, with Kyle Dos Santos Joubert (Wonderboom) named the player of the match.

The action was equally intense on the B-field, where Vryburg (Northern Cape) snatched a dramatic 20-19 victory against Hoogenhout by slotting a penalty in the final moments of the game. Liam Jonker was named the standout performer of that clash.

In the unofficial final held on Wednesday, Randpark High showcased their dominance, walking away as victors in their match against HTS Tom Naudé with a score of 33-12.

Weathering the storm

While the rugby was red-hot, the weather proved challenging. Saturday’s schedule was disrupted by lightning, forcing several matches to be cut short for the safety of the players.

In times of adversity, the true spirit of a community is revealed not just by words, but by swift and compassionate action. Following a serious spinal injury during the tournament, the town of Fochville rallied around the young player with an outpouring of support that defines the heart of this region.

Leading the charge in this collective effort, iSecure, the official medics of the rugby week, stepped forward to sponsor his specialised transportation home via ambulance. This vital contribution ensures he receives the highest level of care and comfort during his journey, allowing his family to focus entirely on his well-being.

“We wish him nothing but the best on his road to recovery. May he find strength in the support surrounding him as he begins this next chapter of healing,” said the organisers.

Digital reach and global engagement

For those who couldn’t be at the touchline, official streaming partner Lowveld Live recorded a staggering 61 605 live views, ensuring that parents and fans across the country didn’t miss a single tackle.

All man of the match photos, full tournament results, and the announcement of the two touring teams selected to travel to Spain/France in September are available at danierossouwrugbyweek.co.za. The teams will be announced on Friday, April 10.

A salute to the sponsors

The phenomenal success of the 2026 Danie Rossouw Rugby Week was made possible by the unwavering support of corporate and community partners. The organisers extend a heartfelt thanks to:
• Steers
• RE/MAX Winners
• Lowveld Live (official streaming partner)
• BUCO
• i-glide.co.za
• Lowveld Coffee
• Clothing & Branding
• 100.5fm Radio Laeveld
• Jamandi Coffee Cafe & Bakery
• PMG (Produkta Motor Group)
• Lowvelder
• Avli Greek Grill
• SHARP Mpumalanga
• Airlink Pumas
• Ndlovu Water
• Kaptured Concepts
• Phatboys
• Hoërskool Rob Ferreira
• UXI Pumas.

Photos: Kaptured Concepts