The 29th St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival started on April 2, 2026, at Burger Field, St John’s College. This annual event showcases schoolboy rugby, featuring teams from New Zealand, Australia, England, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
In the opening matches, St Stithians’ U13 rugby team secured a victory against Cordwalles’ U13 team, finishing with a score of 14 to 10. This match set the tone for a festival filled with competitive spirit and skill.
The festival includes multiple age groups, allowing various teams to showcase their rugby talents. Notable participants this year include learners from Springs Secondary School, Lebogang Makhubedu and Musa Mbuyisa, as well as Christine du Plessis and Lily Davidson from St Mary’s Waverley School.
Rugby enthusiasts are particularly excited about the participation of the Australian School, St Joseph’s Nudgee College of Brisbane, and Westlake Boys’ High School from Auckland, New Zealand. The lineup of schools has been impressive, drawing attention from fans and players alike.
Gordon Ephram, a player from St Stithians, expressed satisfaction with their performance, stating, “We played well. We came from a couple of horrible games that we played recently. Although we have things to work on, I am happy, because last year we lost against Cordwalles.”
Gadi Sibisi, another player, noted the impact of the weather on their game, saying, “The wet grass resulted in our slow start, but as things dried up, we got better, guards came off, and the boys brought their energy on the field.” This highlights the challenges teams face during the festival.
The St John’s Rugby Festival is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of youth sports and camaraderie among schools. With teams from various countries, it fosters international friendships and sportsmanship.
As the festival progresses, more matches are scheduled, and the excitement continues to build. Fans and participants are eager to see how the tournament unfolds and which teams will emerge victorious.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the overall attendance and specific match outcomes beyond the initial games, but the atmosphere at Burger Field is charged with enthusiasm.
With the festival running through the Easter weekend, it promises to be a memorable event for all involved, showcasing the best of schoolboy rugby.
