The 16th edition of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival (KERF) promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, with a record 28 teams set to take the field from April 17-21. This year’s festival not only showcases top-tier high school rugby talent but also embraces development in the sport by including primary school teams and, for the first time, U16 girls’ teams.
High Schools’ Line-Up: Exciting Newcomers and Heavyweights Collide
Three teams will be making their debuts in the high school section: Peterhouse from Zimbabwe, as well as Milnerton High School and Hoërskool Durbanville from the Western Cape. Peterhouse, the brother school of Michaelhouse, brings an exciting, free-flowing style of play that is sure to thrill spectators. Their first challenge will be against Milnerton, the alma mater of Springbok centre Damien de Allende. Milnerton impressed in 2024, producing remarkable comeback victories, including a 34-33 win over Rondebosch after trailing 3-33.
Hoërskool Durbanville, a competitive side known for their skill and enterprise, will take on Dale College in their opener. Dale returns to KERF after missing last year’s event and is known for their high-tempo, attacking rugby.
KwaZulu-Natal is well represented once again by Kearsney College, Durban High School (DHS), Glenwood High, and Westville Boys’ High. Kearsney, under the leadership of new head coach Grant Bashford and Director of Rugby Keegan Daniel, faces a stern test against Dr EG Jansen, who dominated last year’s festival with three wins, including a resounding 36-11 victory over Kearsney.
DHS, arguably one of the best defensive sides in South Africa in 2024, will be looking to build on their strong showing despite fielding a largely new squad. Westville Boys’ High, meanwhile, will look to continue their exciting brand of rugby under new head coach Zander Erasmus, who brings experience from The Sharks Academy and Craven Week structures.
Hoërskool Monument, always a force to be reckoned with, will be eager to bounce back after an inconsistent 2024 campaign. They kick off their tournament against Glenwood, who endured a difficult season last year but retain a large portion of their 1st XV.
Completing the lineup is Hoërskool Framesby, a team known for their solid fundamentals and exciting attacking play. Last year, they produced a nail-biting 36-34 victory over Worcester Gimnasium, proving they can perform under pressure.
A Landmark Moment: Girls’ Rugby at KERF
For the first time, KERF will feature an U16 girls’ division, highlighting the growing development of women’s rugby in South Africa. The four pioneering teams—Adams College, Mowat Park, George Campbell, and Richards Bay High School—will make history as they take to the field. Their inclusion is a testament to Kearsney’s commitment to promoting rugby beyond traditional boys’ schools.
Primary Schools Showcase the Future of Rugby
The primary school division features 11 KZN schools and the Harare Lions, a junior club from Zimbabwe. Schools such as Glenwood Prep, Highbury Prep, and Westville Senior Primary will battle it out, giving young players an opportunity to test themselves on a big stage.
Festival Atmosphere and Top-Class Organisation
KERF has built a reputation as one of the best-run school rugby festivals in South Africa, attracting thousands of spectators each year. The festival’s picturesque setting at Kearsney College, combined with the festival’s family-friendly environment, makes it a must-visit event over the Easter weekend.
Standard Bank, the festival’s headline sponsor since 2015, continues its unwavering support of youth development through sport. Halfway Ford Waterfall is also back as a major sponsor, reinforcing the festival’s importance in shaping future rugby stars.
Fixtures to Watch
The festival’s schedule is packed with enticing matchups. Fans can look forward to blockbuster encounters like DHS vs. Hoërskool Rustenburg, Kearsney College vs. Dr EG Jansen, and Westville vs. Framesby on the opening day.
With so many teams, storylines, and emerging talents, KERF 2025 is set to be another memorable chapter in South African schoolboy rugby. If you’re looking for high-intensity rugby, heart-stopping comebacks, and the next generation of stars, Kearsney is the place to be this Easter!
My Goat Sports 