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Independent School Rugby Festival. 🏉 St Charles College Shines at Independent Schools Rugby Festival.
While the St Charles College U14 rugby team enjoyed a triumphant tour to Johannesburg—clinching three wins from three at the Independent Schools Rugby Festival and closing out their 2025 season with seven consecutive victories—the spotlight turned to Pietermaritzburg as the senior edition of the ISRF was hosted on home turf.
A Festival of Rugby Excellence
As reported by Head Coach Craig Dwyer, the U18 festival kicked off on 28 June. They welcomed 15 top rugby schools from across South Africa, along with a touring side from Brisbane, Australia. The week-long celebration of schoolboy rugby was blessed with ideal conditions: warm, sunny days and a hard, fast track that encouraged expansive, high-tempo play.
St Charles College had the rare privilege of fielding two teams in this year’s festival. They stepped in to fill a late withdrawal. This allowed coaches a valuable opportunity to assess a broader pool of talent ahead of the 2026 season, with players drawn from the U16A, U16B, 2nd XV, and even the 3rd team. For many, it was a golden chance to showcase their skills and push for higher honours.
SCC Blue XV: Growth and Grit
The Blue XV faced a tough opener against a strong St John’s outfit, especially with limited preparation time. However, the team found their rhythm in the second half, showing promising cohesion and resilience despite the loss.
Their Day 2 performance was a revelation. With improved structure and confidence, the Blues delivered a commanding 33–8 victory over St Alban’s. Their brand of rugby was a joy to watch—fluid ball movement, solid set-pieces, and a clear sense of purpose.
SCC Gold XV: Courage and Comebacks
The Gold squad opened their campaign against Somerset College, a side known for their flair and attacking intent. Rising to the occasion, the Gold XV put on a clinical display, blending rock-solid defence with incisive attacking play to secure a 33–5 win.
Their second clash was a true test of character—facing Brisbane Boys’ College, one of Australia’s premier schoolboy teams. Trailing 40–3 at halftime, the Gold XV regrouped with tactical adjustments and a renewed focus on discipline at the breakdown. The result? A spirited second-half comeback, outscoring their opponents 21–7 and finishing with a respectable 47–24 scoreline. It was a performance brimming with heart, grit, and belief.
Looking Ahead
Across both squads, the festival offered invaluable insights into the depth and potential within the St Charles College rugby program. The players embraced the challenge, and the coaching staff walked away with renewed optimism for the 2026 season.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organisers for their tireless efforts in delivering a seamless event, and to all participating teams for their sportsmanship and passion. As the off-season begins, we reflect on a memorable week of rugby and look forward to another thrilling chapter in the year ahead. – Mr Gregg Cole-Edwardes (Head of Prep Sport)
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https://stcharlescollege.co.za
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