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Easter Rugby Festival 2026. Kearsney College, KwaZulu-Natal.
Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s premier school rugby events, the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) returns for its 17th edition with an impressive lineup of 28 teams, including international visitors from Europe and Zimbabwe.
This prestigious festival promises another thrilling showcase of top-level schoolboy rugby, while offering spectators a unique glimpse into the playing styles of Ireland and Italy—adding an exciting international dimension to the Easter weekend spectacle.
International and Local Teams
Touring teams include:
- Catholic University School (Dublin, Ireland)
- Verona Rugby (Northern Italy)
- Peterhouse Boys’ School (Zimbabwe)
They will be joined by four strong KwaZulu-Natal schools in the senior boys’ division: Durban High School (DHS), Westville Boys’ High, Glenwood High, and hosts Kearsney College.
Other notable participants:
- Gauteng powerhouses Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen (Boksburg) and newcomers Helpmekaar College (Braamfontein)
- Hoërskool Rustenburg (North West)
- Eastern Cape’s exciting Hoërskool Framesby (Gqeberha)
- Milnerton High School (Cape Town)
Festival Schedule
Matches will be played across three days:
- Thursday, 2 April
- Saturday, 4 April
- Monday, 6 April
Leadership and Sponsorship
Kearsney headmaster Patrick Lees confirmed the participating teams, noting that the festival’s expansion into three divisions last year highlighted its invaluable role in developing South Africa’s school rugby culture since its inception in 2008.
He expressed gratitude to sponsors whose support has enabled the festival’s continued growth.
- Standard Bank South Africa (headline sponsor) reaffirmed its commitment to youth development.“We recognise the powerful role that sport and education play in building character, confidence, and unity. Through platforms like this festival, we are not only nurturing athletes, we are shaping responsible, resilient, and inspired leaders for tomorrow,” said Tshiamo Molanda, head of youth and mass market at Standard Bank’s personal and private banking division.
- Halfway Ford Waterfall (first-tier sponsor) highlighted the atmosphere:“There is nothing quite like the electric energy at the festival – the roar of the crowd, the crunch of hard tackles, and the pride that rugby ignites in all of us,” said Carrie-Ann van Heerden, dealer principal.
- The Sharks Academy’s high-performance manager Coenraad de Villiers emphasised the importance of the festival in preparing players who will contribute to the future of South African rugby.
Expanding Opportunities
Building on last year’s success, the festival will again feature U16 girls’ rugby, with four teams competing during lunchtime slots:
- Mowat Park High (Montclair)
- Grosvenor Girls’ High (Bluff)
- Ohlange High School (Inanda)
- Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School (Umlazi)
Notably, Ohlange and Ogwini boast five and six provincial players respectively.
In addition, 12 primary school teams will enjoy the thrill of playing in front of large crowds, including the touring Peterhouse College U13 team from Zimbabwe and the KZN Ibutho Development side.
Festival Atmosphere
KERF is more than rugby—it’s a family-friendly celebration. Teams travel with families and supporters to enjoy the spectacle of running rugby on Kearsney’s beautiful campus. The festival offers:
- A KidZone for younger children
- Ample parking
- Numerous food outlets
- A refreshment tent
Tickets are available online at Quicket.co.za—buy early to avoid queues.
| FIXTURES: STOTT FIELD |
| BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS |
| DAY 1 | THURSDAY 02 APRIL 2026 | ||
| 08h00 | Helpmekaar College | vs | Glenwood High School |
| 09h20 | Hoērskool Framesby | vs | Peterhouse Boys’ School (Zimbabwe) |
| 10h40 | Westville Boys’ High School | vs | Catholic University School (Ireland) |
| 13h00 | Kearsney College | vs | Hoērskool Rustenburg |
| 14h20 | Milnerton High School | vs | Hoērskool Dr EG Jansen |
| 15h40 | Durban High School | vs | Verona Rugby (Italy) |
| DAY 2 | SATURDAY 04 APRIL 2026 | ||
| 08h00 | Peterhouse Boys’ School (Zimbabwe) | vs | Milnerton High School |
| 09h20 | Durban High School | vs | Hoērskool Rustenburg |
| 10h40 | Verona Rugby (Italy) | vs | Hoērskool Dr EG Jansen |
| 13h00 | Glenwood High School | vs | Hoērskool Framesby |
| 14h20 | Kearsney College | vs | Catholic University School (Ireland) |
| 15h40 | Westville Boys’ High School | vs | Helpmekaar College |
| DAY 3 | MONDAY 06 APRIL 2026 | ||
| 08h00 | Helpmekaar College | vs | Hoērskool Framesby |
| 09h20 | Glenwood High School | vs | Hoērskool Dr EG Jansen |
| 10h40 | Peterhouse Boys’ School (Zimbabwe) | vs | Hoērskool Rustenburg |
| 12h50 | CLOSING CEREMONY | ||
| 13h00 | Westville Boys’ High School | vs | Milnerton High School |
| 14h20 | Durban High School | vs | Catholic University School (Ireland) |
| 15h40 | Kearsney College | vs | Verona Rugby (Italy) |
FIXTURES: GIRLS U16 TEAMS
| DAY 1 | THURSDAY 02 APRIL 2026 | FIELD | ||
| 12h00 | Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High | vs | Grosvenor Girls’ High | Stott |
| 12h00 | Ohlange High School | vs | Mowat Park High School | Roberts |
| DAY 2 | SATURDAY 04 APRIL 2026 | |||
| 12h00 | Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High | vs | Ohlange High School | Stott |
| 12h00 | Grosvenor Girls’ High | vs | Mowat Park High School | Roberts |
| DAY 3 | MONDAY 06 APRIL 2026 | |||
| 12h00 | Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High | vs | Mowat Park High School | Stott |
| 12h00 | Grosvenor Girls’ High | vs | Ohlange High School | Roberts |
Read more outstanding School news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
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