The Ballito Dolphins Junior Rugby Club wrapped up a remarkable 2026 mini rugby season with a vibrant finale at Umhlali Preparatory School last Sunday.

More than 2 500 supporters lined the fields as young players from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered for the final round of fixtures.

The Dolphins finished the season with an impressive 81% win rate. Over nine game weeks since mid-April, the club played 120 matches across six age groups (U5, U7, U8, U9, U10 and U11), recording 97 wins, 10 draws and just 13 losses.

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Sunday’s festival featured strong opposition, including Durban North Crusaders, Hillcrest Villagers, Westville, South Coast Warriors, Amanzimtoti, Harlequins, the Mighty Elephants and Richards Bay Rugby Club, bringing together 54 teams and about 500 players.

The Dolphins recorded 10 wins, six losses and one draw on the day.

“It’s been an absolutely phenomenal season,” said club chairman Quinton Nagel.

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Among the standout performances were victories by the U5, U7 and U8 teams over the traditionally dominant Durban North Crusaders.

The U7 side went unbeaten across four matches against Crusaders, Westville, Amanzimtoti and Hillcrest, scoring 80 points while conceding just one try.

The U10s secured a convincing 26-5 win over Richards Bay, while the U11s handed the previously unbeaten King Cetshwayo District side a 12-7 defeat.

The U9s bounced back from two losses to Crusaders to beat the Mighty Elephants 20-0 and Harlequins 25-5.

Reflecting on the season, Nagel praised the collective effort behind the club’s success.

“I just want to say thank you to all the parents, boys and coaches for their dedication, hard work and heart this season. We have stunned many of the ‘big’ clubs this season, so we can all be proud of our coaches and boys.”