Players from Westgold Primary and Laerskool Dagbreek shake hands after a great match. Photo: Clinton Botha
A U13 primary school rugby tournament was held on February 26 at Hoërskool Riebeeckrand’s sports fields, drawing young talent and supporters from across the West Rand and neighbouring areas.
Participating schools included Westgold, Dagbreek, Protearif, Modderfontein, Helderkruin, Krugersdorp-Noord, Muldersdrif, Fontainbleau, RAM, Florida, Rapportryer, Fochville, Kenmare and Unika.
Helderkruin went up against Krugersdorp-Noord. Photo: Clinton BothaA Westgold player side-steps a Dagbreek prop and sprints to the try line. Photo: Clinton BothaHelderkruin players attempt to tackle a Krugersdorp-Noord player. Photo: Clinton Botha
The tournament formed part of Riebeeckrand’s 30th anniversary celebrations, combining competitive rugby with a milestone community event.
Fourteen schools competed in a series of matches throughout the afternoon and early evening, allowing players to demonstrate their skills and teamwork. Matches began early in the afternoon and continued into the evening, testing agility, strategy and resilience.
A lineout gone wrong. Photo: Clinton BothaA Modderfontein player shows off his version of the “goose step.” Photo: Clinton Botha
Parents, coaches and teachers lined the touchlines, creating a lively atmosphere of school pride and community support.
Organiser Matt Snyman described the event as a success.
“All of the primary school teams are already looking forward to next year’s tournament,” he said. He added that the tournament serves as an important development platform, helping players adapt to larger fields and prepare for future competitive seasons, while strengthening ties between primary and high schools.
Westgold’s scrumhalf throws a quick pass to his flyhalf. Photo: Clinton BothaDeandro Jacobs from Laerskool Florida celebrates his try. Photo: Maverick Gqoba
Laerskool Modderfontein coach Arie Esterhuizen said he was proud of his team’s performance, while Westgold Primary coach Rudolph de Bruin described the day as “brilliant”, noting that it allowed him to test different combinations. Both coaches praised the organisation and expressed optimism about the upcoming season, including possible participation in the Gauteng U13 rugby finals.
Although numerous matches were played, organisers chose not to publish results, emphasising development and preparation rather than final scores.
